cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of bite force in the formation of orthodentine microwear in tree sloths (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Folivora): Implications for feeding ecology.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this investigation was to explore the role and interplay that bite force has on the formation of microwear features upon the dentition of two- and three-fingered tree sloths (Choloepus and Bradypus, respectively), with the hypothesis that increasing relative bite force would correlate with an increase in frequency of microwear features. Design Microwear patterns were assessed by counting features (e.g. scratches, pits) seen within a standardized field of view on the mesio-labial facets casts of upper molariform series from sloth specimens using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Relative bite force was estimated using a geometric model to quantify the muscular inputs of the temporalis and masseter muscles with respect to the mandible at the centre of each lower tooth. Results Although relative bite force increases posteriorly along the toothrow, there is not a significant increase in frequency of scratches or pits in either sloth. Scratch width increases significantly as bite force increases in Choloepus. Conclusions We reject the hypothesis that higher magnitude of bite force is correlated with an increased number of microwear features in tree sloths. Results here suggest that other endogenous variables (such as chewing direction, manipulation of food during mastication, amount of food ingested) play a more significant role in the formation of microwear in sloths than orthal closure force. This further supports the formation of microwear on teeth as an intricate process that has multiple influences beyond the texture of food particles.
Living Well with Pain: Development and Preliminary Evaluation of the Valued Living Scale

Objectives Encouraging individuals with chronic pain to focus on nonpain-related goals that are consistent with personal values is a goal of most psychosocial pain interventions. A valid and reliable measure of goal-related variables would be useful to evaluate the importance of these to patient quality of life and as factors that may explain treatment outcome. Design We developed items for a measure (the Valued Living Scale, VLS) to assess goal importance, success, and confidence with respect to eight value domains and 26 specific values-related goals, and administered these items to individuals with three chronic pain conditions (low back pain, N = 58; fibromyalgia, N = 55; headache, N = 61). Results Analyses supported: 1) a two-factor model of the VLS items assessing goal-related variables associated with a) health and productivity and b) social relations; 2) VLS scale score reliability, with Cronbach's alphas greater than 0.70; and 3) VLS scale score validity, as indicated by significant associations with pain intensity, depression, and pain interference in the expected directions. Conclusions The VLS items can be administered and scored to assess: 1) the importance of as well as 2) confidence in and 3) success in achieving values-consistent goals. The measure can be used by clinicians to monitor and track changes in patient's perceptions about their goals with treatment. Researchers can use the VLS to test theoretical models of the roles that patient perceptions about goal importance, confidence, and success play in chronic pain treatment outcome. This study described the development and preliminary validation of a measure that assesses: 1) the importance of as well as 2) confidence in and 3) success in achieving valued life goals. The measure may be used to monitor and track changes in patient perceptions of their goals during treatment, and researchers may use the measure to test the role that patient perceptions about goal importance, confidence, and success play in chronic pain treatment outcome.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Resistance to Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in a Worldwide Collection of Hexaploid Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

New races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the causal pathogen of wheat stripe rust, show high virulence to previously deployed resistance genes and are responsible for large yield losses worldwide. To identify new sources of resistance we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a worldwide collection of 1000 spring wheat accessions. Adult plants were evaluated under field conditions in six environments in the western United States, and seedlings were tested with four Pst races. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Infinium 9K-assay provided 4585 SNPs suitable for GWAS. High correlations among environments and high heritabilities were observed for stripe rust infection type and severity. Greater levels of Pst resistance were observed in a subpopulation from Southern Asia than in other groups. GWAS identified 97 loci that were significant for at least three environments, including 10 with an experiment-wise adjusted Bonferroni probability < 0.10. These 10 quantitative trait loci (QTL) explained 15% of the phenotypic variation in infection type, a percentage that increased to 45% when all QTL were considered. Three of these 10 QTL were mapped far from previously identified Pst resistance genes and QTL, and likely represent new resistance loci. The other seven QTL mapped close to known resistance genes and allelism tests will be required to test their relationships. In summary, this study provides an integrated view of stripe rust resistance resources in spring wheat and identifies new resistance loci that will be useful to diversify the current set of resistance genes deployed to control this devastating disease.
Nanostructured Thermoelectric Materials and High-Efficiency Power-Generation Modules

For thermoelectric applications, the best materials have high electrical conductivity and thermopower and, simultaneously, low thermal conductivity. Such a combination of properties is usually found in heavily doped semiconductors. Renewed interest in this topic has followed recent theoretical predictions that significant increases in performance are possible for nanostructured materials, and this has been experimentally verified. During exploratory synthetic studies of chalcogenide-based bulk thermoelectric materials it was discovered that several compounds spontaneously formed endotaxially embedded nanostructures. These compounds have some of the best known properties for bulk thermoelectric materials in the 500–800 K temperature range. Here we report our continued efforts to better understand the role of the nanostructures while concurrently furthering the development of these new materials (for example n-type lead–antimony–silver–tellurium, and p-type lead–antimony–silver–tin–tellurium) into thermoelectric power-generation devices.
Pediatric acute sinusitis: predictors of increased resource utilization.

Objective: To determine variations in resource utilization in the management of pediatric acute sinusitis. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of a publicly available national dataset. Methods: The Kids' Inpatient Database 2006 was analyzed using ICD-9codes for acute sinusitis. Results: A total of 8,381 patients (55% male, mean age 8.5 years [SE = 0.2]) were admitted with acute sinusitis. Mean total charges was $20,062 (SE = 1,159.1). Mean length of stay was 4.2 days (SE = 0.12), with 4.8 diagnoses (SE = 0.06) and 0.85 procedures (SE = 0.06). Thirty-six percent had concomitant respiratory diseases, 11% otitis media, and 8% orbital symptoms. A total of 703 patients underwent operations on the upper aerodigestive tract (534 were nasal sinusectomies); 582 patients underwent lumbar puncture and 162 underwent orbital surgery. The primary payer was private insurance in 50% and Medicaid in 41%. Predictors of increased total charges were male gender (P =.028), being a teaching hospital (P < .0001), metropolitan patient location (P < .0001), hospitals in the western region (P < .0001), admission source from another hospital (P < .0001), and discharge status to another inpatient hospital or home healthcare (P < .0001). There is a large geographic variation in resource utilization (range = $5,837 [Arkansas] to $48,327 [California]). Race, primary payer, admission type, and urgency were not significant predictors of increased resource utilization. Conclusions: Despite being a common diagnosis, there exists a large national variation in management of acute pediatric sinusitis. Predictors of increased resource utilization included male gender, teaching hospital status, metropolitan patient location, western hospital region, admission source, and discharge status. Knowledge of these variables may allow interventions and potentially facilitate benchmarking to reduce the economic burden of this entity while ensuring optimal outcomes. Laryngoscope, 2010
Method for the measurement of friction between tendon and pulley

An experimental system was developed that allows direct measurement of friction at the tendon-pulley interface, and the results were interpreted by use of a theoretical model for friction of a cable around a fixed pulley. Validation experiments were conducted with a nylon cable around a nylon rod. One end of the cable was connected to an actuator via a load cell, and the other end was connected to a 4.9 N load via a similar load cell. The cable was passed around the nylon rod and then pulled toward the actuator. Tests were performed at five different arcs of contact. The friction forces, as measured by the difference between two load transducers, were compared with those determined for a theoretical model and were used for calculation of the friction coefficient. The measurement system then was used to study the friction force between the flexor digitorum profundus tendon and the A2 pulley on nine fresh frozen index digits. The method allows us to measure the direct interaction between the tendon and pulley and could be used to evaluate and compare procedures for tendon-pulley and pulley repair and reconstruction, as well as for the study of tendon-pulley friction in various pathological conditions.
An electrochemical method of measuring the oxidation rate of ferrous to ferric iron with oxygen in the presence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

The oxidation of Fe(2+) with oxygen in sulfate solutions was studied in the presence of T. ferrooxidans. To measure the chemical activity of bacteria, and the oxidation rate of iron, the redox potentials of solutions were continuously monitored during the experiments. The redox potentials were simultaneously monitored on the platinum and pyrite indicator electrodes. The redox potential versus time curves were further used to calculate the basic kinetic parameters, such as the reaction orders, the activation energy, and the frequency factor. It was found that under atmospheric conditions, and at Fe(2+) < 0.001M, T < 25 degrees C, and at pH above 2.2, the oxidation of iron is governed by the following rate expression: -(d[Fe(2+)]) / dt = 1.62 x 10(11)C(bact) [H(+)] [Fe(2+)] p O(2)e(-(58.77/RT)). Below pH = 2.2, the oxidation rate is independent of H(+) Concentration.
Regulation of macrophage motility by Irgm1

IRG are a family of IFN-regulated proteins that are critical for resistance to infection. Mouse IRG proteins are divided into GMS and GKS subfamilies, based on a sequence within the G1 GTP-binding motif. The GMS proteins have a particularly profound impact on immunity, as typified by Irgm1, of which absence leads to a complete loss of resistance to a variety of intracellular bacteria and protozoa. The underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not clear. Here, we use time-lapse microscopy and cell-tracking analysis to demonstrate that Irgm1 is required for motility of IFN-γ-activated macrophages. The absence of Irgm1 led to decreased actin remodeling at the leading edge of migrating macrophages, as well as decreased Rac activation. Although Irgm1 did not localize to the leading edge of migrating macrophages, it was found to regulate the localization of a GKS IRG protein, Irgb6, which in turn, concentrated on the plasma membrane in the advancing lamellipodia, in close apposition to molecular components that regulate membrane remodeling, including Rac, paxillin, and actin. Thus, Irgm1 likely controls macrophage motility by regulating the positioning of specific GKS IRG proteins to the plasma membrane, which in turn, modulate cytoskeletal remodeling and membrane dynamics.
Solvent effects on simple electron transfer reactions: A comparison of results for homogeneous and heterogeneous systems

Abstract Solvent effects on the rate constants for both homogeneous and heterogeneous electron transfer reactions have been analyzed on the basis of current models which consider the role of dynamic relaxation processes in determining the magnitude of the pre-exponential factor. A statistical method for separating the effects of the solvent longitudinal relaxation time τL from those of the solvent permittivity parameter γ is described and applied to 15 sets of experimental data for which results are available in at least four solvents. The degree to which the explained variation in the logarithm of the rate constant could be attributed to either of these effects varied all the way from 0 to 100% depending on the degree of reaction adiabaticity and the relative sizes of the inner and outer sphere components of the Gibbs energy of activation. Data for the limiting cases in which there is no τl dependence in the pre-exponential factor or in which the pre-exponential factor is proportional to τL−1 were analyzed further to obtain the size-distance parameter and the components of the pre-exponential factor relevant to the encounter pre-equilibrium model. These parameters have been discussed with respect to current developments in electron transfer theory. Problems in estimating the longitudinal relaxation time in the solvent, required for the analysis, are also considered.
Influence of differentially heated horizontal walls on the streaming shape and velocity in a standing wave resonator

Influence of differentially heated horizontal walls on shape and amplitude of acoustic streaming velocity field inside a gas-filled rectangular enclosure subject to acoustic standing wave are experimentally investigated. The synchronized particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique has been used to measure the streaming velocity fields. The results show that the temperature difference between the top and the bottom walls deforms the symmetric streaming vortices to the asymmetric ones. As the temperature difference increases, the amplitude of streaming velocity increases.
Response of a columnar vortex to a wrapped vortex loop

A computational and experimental study of the interaction between an initially columnar vortex and a wrapped vortex loop was performed, which focused on the columnar vortex response to the vortex loop. This problem is motivated by applications involving three-dimensional vortex interaction with a solid body, where the secondary vorticity shed from the body rolls up into a series of loop-like structures that are advected away from the body by the primary vortex. As a secondary vortex loop wraps around a columnar vortex, it becomes entrained into the vortex core due to the selfinduced velocity of the loop. The columnar vortex response as a secondary vortex loop moves close to and impacts upon its lateral core surface includes a combination of bending waves, waves of variable core area, and core shape deformation. If a vortex loop is sufficiently strong, its interaction with the columnar vortex is also accompanied by ejection of vorticity from the columanr vortex, sometimes leading to development of a traveling vortex breakdown.
Stable-Isotope Probing of Bacteria Capable of Degrading Salicylate, Naphthalene, or Phenanthrene in a Bioreactor Treating Contaminated Soil

[13C6]salicylate, [U-13C]naphthalene, and [U-13C]phenanthrene were synthesized and separately added to slurry from a bench-scale, aerobic bioreactor used to treat soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Incubations were performed for either 2 days (salicylate, naphthalene) or 7 days (naphthalene, phenanthrene). Total DNA was extracted from the incubations, the “heavy” and “light” DNA were separated, and the bacterial populations associated with the heavy fractions were examined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Unlabeled DNA from Escherichia coli K-12 was added to each sample as an internal indicator of separation efficiency. While E. coli was not detected in most analyses of heavy DNA, a low number of E. coli sequences was recovered in the clone libraries associated with the heavy DNA fraction of [13C]phenanthrene incubations. The number of E. coli clones recovered proved useful in determining the relative amount of light DNA contamination of the heavy fraction in that sample. Salicylate- and naphthalene-degrading communities displayed similar DGGE profiles and their clone libraries were composed primarily of sequences belonging to the Pseudomonas and Ralstonia genera. In contrast, heavy DNA from the phenanthrene incubations displayed a markedly different DGGE profile and was composed primarily of sequences related to the Acidovorax genus. There was little difference in the DGGE profiles and types of sequences recovered from 2- and 7-day incubations with naphthalene, so secondary utilization of the 13C during the incubation did not appear to be an issue in this experiment.
Results on minimum skew rank of matrices described by a graph

The minimum skew rank of a finite, simple, undirected graph G over a field F of characteristic not equal to 2 is defined to be the minimum possible rank of all skew-symmetric matrices over F whose i, j-entry is nonzero if and only if there exists an edge {i, j} in the graph G. The problem of determining the minimum skew rank of a graph arose after extensive study of the minimum (symmetric) rank problem. This thesis gives a background of techniques used to find minimum skew rank first developed by the IMA-ISU research group on minimum rank [9], proves cut-vertex reduction of a graph realized by a skew-symmetric matrix, and proves there is a bound for minimum skew rank created by the skew zero forcing number. The result of cut-vertex reduction is used to calculate the minimum skew ranks of families of coronas, and the minimum skew ranks of multiple other families of graphs are also computed.
Detecting and ordering salient regions for efficient browsing

We describe an ensemble approach to learning salient regions from data partitioned according to the distributed processing requirements of large-scale simulations. The volume of the data is such that classifiers can train only on data local to a given partition. Classes will likely be missing from some, or even most, partitions. We combine a fast ensemble learning algorithm with scaled probabilistic majority voting in order to learn an accurate classifier from such data. We order predicted regions to increase the likelihood that most of the initial set of presented regions are salient. Results from a simulated casing being dropped show that regions of interest are successfully identified and ordered. This approach is much faster than manually browsing and visualizing terabyte or larger simulations to find regions of interest.
An exploration strategy by constructing Voronoi diagrams with provable completeness

We present novel exploration algorithms and a control law that enable the construction of Voronoi diagrams over unknown areas using a single autonomous vehicle equipped with range sensors. Our control law and exploration algorithms are provably complete. The control law uses range measurements to enable tracking Voronoi edges between two obstacles. Exploration algorithms make decisions at vertices of the Voronoi diagram to expand the explored area until a complete Voronoi diagram is constructed in finite time. MATLAB simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of both the control law and the exploration algorithms.
Fetal cells in the mother: from genetic diagnosis to diseases associated with fetal cell microchimerism.

Abstract Fetal cells circulate in the blood of pregnant women. When the gestation is normal, fetal cells are low in number. Complications of pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, or fetal cytogenetic abnormalities, such as Down’s syndrome, increase fetomaternal transfusion. The isolation of fetal cells from maternal blood is currently under active investigation as a non-invasive method for prenatal diagnosis. The fetal cells that are most commonly used for non-invasive genetic diagnosis, the nucleated erythrocyte and the trophoblast, are highly differentiated and do not persist post-partum. In the context of studying fetal cells in maternal blood it was discovered that fetal progenitor cells originating from a prior pregnancy could also be detected. This led to the appreciation that unlike fetal DNA in plasma, which is cleared almost immediately following delivery, fetal cells persist for decades post-partum. Following pregnancy, labor, and delivery, a woman becomes a chimera. Transfused fetal stem and progenitor cells appear to be capable of further differentiation and migration to maternal organs. A further research agenda is needed to explore the newly appreciated phenomenon of bi-directional fetomaternal cell trafficking. Any consideration of the fetus as a patient must also consider the fetus as a potential source of therapeutic stem cells for the mother.
Design of Yagi array of Peano top-loaded monopoles using evolutionary optimization

Many wireless applications require planar electrically small antennas but with monopole-like, vertically polarized radiation patterns in addition to high gain and directivity. These design challenges cannot be easily achieved by using conventional microstrip or other types of printed antennas. One method for antenna miniaturization is the use of spacefilling curves [1,2]. It has been previously shown that it is possible to use printed metallic paths in the form of Peano or Hilbert space-filling curves to form top loaded monopoles that can achieve monopolar-like radiation patterns while maintaining an electrically small form factor [3]. To achieve high directivity, one may use these space-filling curve top-loaded monopoles, to form a Yagi-Uda array with one active and multiple passive elements. Unlike Yagi arrays made of conventional monopoles, the coupling between adjacent Peano top-loaded monopoles is highly non-linear and thus these antennas can not be designed into a Yagi antenna array with the use of standard design guidelines [4]. Evolutionary algorithms such as Genetic Algorithms (GAs), Evolutionary Programming (EP) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) are well suited for this class of problems.
Law and Lawyers in the U.S.: The Hero-Villain Dichotomy

Lawyers in U.S. culture are often presented in either an extremely positive or extremely negative light. Although popular culture exaggerates and oversimplifies the 'good v. bad' dynamic of lawyers, this dichotomy provides important insights into the role attorneys play in the U.S. legal system, the boundaries of legal ethics, and the extent to which the U.S. legal system is relied upon to address our society's great moral and social dilemmas.
An Assessment of the Deemed Appropriateness of Participative Decision Making for High and Low Hierarchical Levels

Addressing questions concerning the dependence of leadership style on hierarchical position, this investigation employs an instrument offering greater internal validity than similar instruments used in previous research. Middle-level managers from three organizations (N = 167) were asked to indicate the degree of subordinate involvement they would permit in hypothetical decision situations occurring at different hierarchical levels. For that subset of problems for which selection of high-quality solution was required (i.e., problems possessing a quality requirement), the degree of participation deemed appropriate for low-level situations did not differ significantly from the degree of participation deemed appropriate for high-level situations. However, for the subset of problems for which all possible alternatives were equally suitable (i.e., problems lacking a quality requirement), substantially greater participation was judged appropriate for low-level situations than for otherwise comparable high-level...
Fully distributed traffic control strategies for many-AGV systems

A model for studying fully distributed traffic control strategies for many-AGV systems in an operating field of a network of stations and passages is proposed. As a basic operating primitive, distributed mutual exclusion on a resource of capacity M (0 >
Sources of phase changes in BOLD and CBV-weighted fMRI.

Phase changes in blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) fMRI have been observed in humans; however, their exact origin has not yet been fully elucidated. To investigate this issue, we acquired gradient-echo (GE) BOLD and cerebral blood volume (CBV)-weighted fMRI data in anesthetized cats during visual stimulation at 4.7T and 9.4T, before and after injection of a superparamagnetic contrast agent (monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles, MION), respectively. In BOLD fMRI, large positive changes in both magnitude and phase were observed predominantly in the cortical surface area, where the large draining veins reside. In CBV-weighted fMRI, large negative changes in both magnitude and phase were detected mainly in the middle cortical area, where the greatest CBV change takes place. Additionally, the phase change was temporally correlated with the magnitude response and was linearly dependent on the echo time (TE), which cannot be explained by the intravascular (IV) contribution and functional temperature change. Phase changes with the opposite polarity were also observed in the regions around the dominant phase changes. These phase changes can be explained by the application of the “Lorentz sphere” theory in the presence of relevant activation-induced changes in vessels. The volume-averaged magnetization and its demagnetization are the main sources of fMRI signal phase change. Magn Reson Med 57:520 –527, 2007. © 2007 Wiley
Network EducationWare: an open-source web-based system for synchronous distance education

Inexpensive computers and Internet connections can be used in teaching engineering and technology courses to make the classroom presentation of a lecture available anywhere with connectivity. With rapidly growing demand, particularly from working professionals who need courses to remain current or for advancement in their careers, and reductions in financial support, universities face increasing pressure to find solutions that are effective academically and fiscally. This paper describes an open-source distance-learning system that fulfills both "smart classroom" and distance-education roles and that is inexpensive, easy to use and operate, and highly effective, even when used over dial-up connections. The software is available at no cost for academic use.
Deep time and mass extinctions

Diversity patterns are as basic a geographical feature of our world as mountains, seas, and deserts. However, that does not mean they are static. There is plenty of evidence that, like all geographical features, diversity can undergo changes. Often, these changes are on about the same slow time scales that mountains build up and wear down, or that new seas open up or vanish. But diversity can also change over just a few thousand years or less, when the environment changes rapidly enough to cause this.
MEASUREMENT OF PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSION RATES FROM MECHANICALLY VENTILATED SWINE BARNS

Methods for measuring emission rates of particulate matter (PM) from mechanically ventilated livestock buildings were evaluated in the laboratory using a test chamber. Particulate matter concentrations were measured inside the chamber and at the exhaust duct. Concentrations at the exhaust duct were determined using high-volume traverse downstream of the exhaust fan, low-volume traverse downstream of the fan, and fixed sampling upstream and downstream of the fan. The high-volume traverse was the reference method. Both traverse methods were conducted under isokinetic conditions; fixed sampling was done under both isokinetic and sub-isokinetic conditions. Both room sampling and exhaust sampling under sub-isokinetic conditions severely overestimated exhaust PM concentrations. The low-volume traverse and fixed sampling under isokinetic conditions agreed well with the high-volume traverse (mean difference ranging from 7% to 14%). Methods involving room sampling, fixed sampling at exhaust, and high-volume traverse at exhaust were also compared in a swine finishing barn. Room sampling overestimated concentrations at the exhaust by an average of 30%, and PM concentration from fixed sampling did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from that of the high-volume traverse method. It appears that fixed sampling under isokinetic conditions can be used as an alternative to the high-volume PM traverse method to accurately measure PM concentrations at the exhaust, from which the PM emission rate can be determined.
Understanding 412(e)(3) Plans

The 412(e)(3) plan is a defined benefit pension plan used for small employers since 1974 to supplement their retirement. This plan if properly structured can assist people in their 50s and 60s to fund more than $50,000 into their retirement accounts. In some cases up to $300,000 may be funded on a tax deductible basis. The plan takes little or no risk as it is invested in pension annuities which have outperformed the SP 500 over the last ten years.
Blocking negative influential node set in social networks: from host perspective

Nowadays, social networks are considered as the very important medium for the spreading of information, innovations, ideas and influences among individuals. Viral marketing is a most prominent marketing strategy using word-of-mouth advertising in social networks. The key problem with the viral marketing is to find the set of influential users or seeds, who, when convinced to adopt an innovation or idea, shall influence other users in the network, leading to a large number of adoptions. In this study, we study the competitive viral marketing problem from host perspective, where the host of the social network (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.) sells the viral marketing campaigns to its customers and keeps control of the allocation of seeds. Seeds are allocated by creating ‘bang for the buck’ for each company. In this paper, we first propose a new influence diffusion model considering both negative and positive influences. Subsequently, we propose a novel optimization problem, named Blocking Negative Influential Node Set (BNINS) selection problem, to identify the positive node set (seeds) such that the number of negatively activated nodes is minimised for all competitors. Finally, we proposed a greedy algorithm called BNINS-GREEDY to solve BNINS and conducted comprehensive experiments and simulations to validate the proposed method. The results show that, for random graphs, on average, BNINS-GREEDY blocks the negative influence 17.22 per cent more than the most related work called Competitive Linear Directed Acyclic Graph. Moreover, on the real Epinions dataset, BNINS-GREEDY achieves 7.6 per cent more positive influence propagation than Competitive Linear Directed Acyclic Graph. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New preconditioning strategy for Jacobian-free solvers for variably saturated flows with Richards’ equation

We develop a new approach for solving the nonlinear Richards’ equation arising in variably saturated flow modeling. The growing complexity of geometric models for simulation of subsurface flows leads to the necessity of using unstructured meshes and advanced discretization methods. Typically, a numerical solution is obtained by first discretizing PDEs and then solving the resulting system of nonlinear discrete equations with a Newton-Raphson-type method. Efficiency and robustness of the existing solvers rely on many factors, including an empiric quality control of intermediate iterates, complexity of the employed discretization method and a customized preconditioner. We propose and analyze a new preconditioning strategy that is based on a stable discretization of the continuum Jacobian. We will show with numerical experiments for challenging problems in subsurface hydrology that this new preconditioner improves convergence of the existing Jacobian-free solvers 3-20 times. We also show that the Picard method with this preconditioner becomes a more efficient nonlinear solver than a few widely used Jacobian-free solvers.
Patients' experiences with disclosure of a large-scale adverse event.

Background Hospitals face a disclosure dilemma when large-scale adverse events affect multiple patients and the chance of harm is extremely low. Understanding the perspectives of patients who have received disclosures following such events could help institutions develop communication plans that are commensurate with the perceived or real harm and scale of the event. Methods A mailed survey was conducted in 2008 of 266 University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) patients who received written disclosure in 2004 about a large-scale, low-harm/low-risk adverse event involving an incomplete endoscope cleaning process. The survey measured patients' satisfaction with this disclosure, their concerns about healthcare outcomes, and their recommendations for future communication, given similar circumstances. Results Surveys were received from 127 of 266 (48 percent) of eligible respondents; 98 percent thought that UWMC was right to inform them about this event, and mean satisfaction with the disclosure was 7.7 on a 0 to 10 scale. Of the 127 respondents, 64 percent were somewhat or very concerned that the endoscope cleaning problem might cause them health problems; 60 percent reported their impressions of UWMC's honesty and integrity had increased; 31 percent said their perceptions of the quality of care had increased; 94 percent agreed that institutions should tell patients about any error in their care, even when the risk of harm was low, although 28 percent agreed that such notifications would make them anxious. Respondents who reported concern that the event could cause them health problems were less likely to be satisfied with the institution's disclosure. Patients cited their right to know information material to their own health and healthcare as an important reason for disclosure. Conclusion Recipients of disclosure of a large-scale, low-harm/low-risk event overwhelmingly supported being told of the event and endorsed notification of patients for similar events in the future. Although informing patients may cause concern for some, institutions should ensure their disclosure policies and procedures reflect their patients' preferences.
Initial technology assessment for the Large-Aperture UV-Optical-Infrared (LUVOIR) mission concept study

The NASA Astrophysics Divisions 30-Year Roadmap prioritized a future large-aperture space telescope operating in the ultra-violet-optical-infrared wavelength regime. The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy envisioned a similar observatory, the High Definition Space Telescope. And a multi-institution group also studied the Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope. In all three cases, a broad science case is outlined, combining general astrophysics with the search for bio-signatures via direct-imaging and spectroscopic characterization of habitable exo-planets. We present an initial technology assessment that enables such an observatory that is currently being studied for the 2020 Decadal Survey by the Large UV-Optical Infrared (LUVOIR) surveyor Science and Technology Definition Team. We present here the technology prioritization for the 2016 technology cycle and define the required technology capabilities and current state-of-the-art performance. Current, planned, and recommended technology development efforts are also reported.
Magnet-free nonreciprocal bianisotropic metasurfaces

Tellegen and moving metasurfaces are two promising classes of nonreciprocal bianisotropic metasurfaces that offer extended functionalities for electromagnetic wave manipulation. However, in order to realize these metasurfaces, ferrite-based unit cells have been utilized that need to be biased by an external magnetic field. Inspired by recent works on magnet-free non-bianisotropic nonreciprocal building blocks, we introduce designs for magnet-free Tellegen and moving metasurfaces.
Short and sweet: Associations between self-reported sleep duration and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among adults in the United States.

Abstract Objectives Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major factor in the development of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Shortened sleep duration has also been linked to increased appetite and obesity. Here, we examined whether there was an association between self-reported sleep duration and SSB consumption among adults 18 years and older. Methods Using data from 2005-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined self-reported sleep duration and beverage intake (types of SSBs, juice, water, coffee, tea) from two 24-hour dietary recalls among 18,779 adults. Adults who slept 7-8 h/night were considered the reference group. Generalized linear models were computed adjusting for sociodemographics and health characteristics as well as total energy intake. Results Thirteen percent slept 5 or fewer hours per night. In fully adjusted models, those who slept 5 hours or less had 21% higher SSB consumption (relative difference, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.32). When broken down by beverage type, this was due to caffeinated sugary beverages. Longer sleepers (≥9-hour sleepers) consumed fewer servings of coffee and water. There were no associations between self-reported sleep duration and consumption of 100% juice, tea, or diet drinks. Conclusions Short sleep is associated with greater intake of sugared caffeinated sodas, a relationship that may have important, though unrecognized, implications for physical health. Directionality of this relationship cannot be determined from this study. Although caffeinated drinks could account for impaired sleep, it is possible that short sleep could influence one's appetitive drive for sugared caffeine drinks. Further examination of this relationship using prospective designs is warranted.
Associations of medical student empathy with clinical competence.

Abstract Objective Empathy is a crucial skill for medical students that can be difficult to evaluate. We examined if self-reported empathy in medical students was associated with clinical competence. Methods This study combined cross-sectional data from four consecutive years of medical students (N = 590) from the Boston University School of Medicine. We used regression analysis to evaluate if self-reported empathy (Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE)) predicted scores in clinical clerkships, United States Medical Licensing Examinations, and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). We separately analyzed overall and OSCE communication scores based on interpersonal skills reported by standardized patients. We controlled for age, gender, debt, and specialty affinity. Results JSPE scores of medical students were positively associated with OSCE communication scores, and remained significant when controlling for demographics. We found that JSPE score was also predictive of overall OSCE scores, but this relationship was confounded by gender and age. JSPE scores were associated with performance in the Pediatrics clerkship, but not other clerkships or standardized tests. Conclusion JSPE scores were positively associated with OSCE communication scores in medical students. Practice implications This study supports that self-reported empathy may predict OSCE performance, but further research is needed to examine differences by gender and age.
Rotation of single live mammalian cells using dynamic holographic optical tweezers

Abstract We report on a method for rotating single mammalian cells about an axis perpendicular to the optical system axis through the imaging plane using dynamic holographic optical tweezers (HOTs). Two optical traps are created on the opposite edges of a mammalian cell and are continuously transitioned through the imaging plane along the circumference of the cell in opposite directions, thus providing the torque to rotate the cell in a controlled fashion. The method enables a complete 360° rotation of live single mammalian cells with spherical or near-to spherical shape in 3D space, and represents a useful tool suitable for the single cell analysis field, including tomographic imaging.
Kidney Transplantation for Kidney Failure Due to Multiple Myeloma: Case Reports

Transplantation centers have historically considered a history of multiple myeloma as a contraindication to kidney transplantation due to high recurrence rates and poor transplant survival. However, there have been significant advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma, with improved patient survival, which may allow for successful kidney transplantation in these patients. We report on 4 patients who underwent kidney transplantation at our institution between 2009 and 2015 after having achieved a very good partial response or better with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. All 4 patients received kidneys from living donors; 2 underwent induction therapy with basiliximab, and 2, with thymoglobulin. One patient had progression of myeloma, which responded well to therapy. All had functioning transplants at 1 year after kidney transplantation. No patients experienced a rejection episode or infections with BK polyomavirus or cytomegalovirus, with follow-up ranging from 16 to 58 months after kidney transplantation. Our experience suggests that kidney transplantation is feasible in a subset of patients with multiple myeloma. Future studies are necessary to compare outcomes in these patients with other high-risk patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
Species' traits as predictors of range shifts under contemporary climate change: A review and meta-analysis.

A growing body of literature seeks to explain variation in range shifts using species’ ecological and life-history traits, with expectations that shifts should be greater in species with greater dispersal ability, reproductive potential, and ecological generalization. Despite strong theoretical support for species’ traits as predictors of range shifts, empirical evidence from contemporary range shift studies remains limited in extent and consensus. We conducted the first comprehensive review of species’ traits as predictors of range shifts, collecting results from 51 studies across multiple taxa encompassing over 11,000 species’ responses for 54 assemblages of taxonomically related species occurring together in space. We used studies of assemblages that directly compared geographic distributions sampled in the 20th century prior to climate change with resurveys of distributions after contemporary climate change and then tested whether species traits accounted for heterogeneity in range shifts. We performed a formal meta-analysis on study-level effects of body size, fecundity, diet breadth, habitat breadth, and historic range limit as predictors of range shifts for a subset of 21 studies of 26 assemblages with sufficient data. Range shifts were consistent with predictions based on habitat breadth and historic range limit. However, body size, fecundity, and diet breadth showed no significant effect on range shifts across studies, and multiple studies reported significant relationships that contradicted predictions. Current understanding of species’ traits as predictors of range shifts is limited, and standardized study is needed for traits to be valid indicators of vulnerability in assessments of climate change impacts.
Proper‐Function Moral Realism

A common line of thought in contemporary metaethics is that certain facts about the evolutionary history of humans make moral realism implausible. Two of the most developed evolutionary cases against realism are found in the works of Richard Joyce and Sharon Street. In what follows, I argue that a form of moral realism that I call proper-function moral realism can meet Joyce and Street's challenges. I begin by sketching the basics of proper-function moral realism. I then present what I take to be the essence of Street's and Joyce's objections, and I show how proper-function realism answers them.
Using gallium nitride DC-DC converter for speed control of BLDC motor

Utilizing GaN (Gallium Nitride) DC-DC converter for speed control of BLDC (Brushless DC) Motor is investigated in this paper. The proposed system replaces the well-known Si-based switches by GaN FETs which are faster by minimum ten times and much compact that it recedes the size of Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) application. The contemplated system uses a GaN-based DC-DC Resonant Converter to drive and regulate the speed of a BLDC Motor at a switching frequency as high as 100 kHz. The processor used is xPC target in conjunction with NI PCI-6251 Data Acquisition device with a capability of send/receive high frequency data between MATLAB/Simulink to hardware and vice versa. To establish the conduct of this system, both simulation and experimental outcomes have been illustrated. The high efficiency, high accuracy, and low power loss along with lower weight and volume of the converter are the advantages of this system.
Performance Improvement in Combat Casualty Care

The purpose of this review is to examine the necessity for performance improvement and its application in combat casualty care. The review looks at this from the perspectives of local and system-wide efforts. Performance improvement efforts contributed to the overall improvement in mortality seen during the past 15 years of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. While many efforts started at a local level, they expanded to theater-wide efforts. These efforts became codified in the Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines. Recent studies have shown the need for continual examination of the system to assure optimal performance. Performance improvement is an inherent responsibility of those providing combat casualty care. Large, theater-wide efforts have been carried out under the guise of the Joint Trauma System with resultant improvements in both the processes and the outcomes. Local performance improvements remain just as integral and have been come increasingly critical over the past few years.