cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of atmospheric rivers on vegetation productivity and fire patterns in the southwestern U.S.

In the southwestern US, the meteorological phenomenon known as atmospheric rivers (ARs) has gained increasing attention due to its strong connections to floods, snowpacks and water supplies in the West Coast states. Relatively less is known about the ecological implications of ARs, particularly in the interior Southwest, where AR storms are less common. To address this gap, we compared a chronology of AR landfalls on the west coast between 1989-2011 and between 25-42.5°N, to annual metrics of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; an indicator of vegetation productivity) and daily-resolution precipitation data to assess influences of AR-fed winter precipitation on vegetation productivity across the southwestern US. We mapped correlations between winter AR precipitation during landfalling ARs and 1) annual maximum NDVI and 2) area burned by large wildfires summarized by ecoregion during the same year as the landfalls and during the following year. Interannual variations of AR precipitation strongly influenced both NDVI and area burned by wildfire in some dryland ecoregions. The influence of ARs on dryland vegetation varied significantly depending on the latitude of landfall, with those ARs making landfall below 35 N latitude more strongly influencing these systems, and with effects observed as far as 1300 km from the landfall location. As climatologists’ understanding of the synoptic patterns associated with the occurrence of ARs continues to evolve, an increased understanding of how AR landfalls, in aggregate, influence vegetation productivity and associated wildfire activity in dryland ecosystems may provide opportunities to better predict ecological responses to climate and climate change.
Accelerating data-driven discovery with scientific asset management

The overhead and burden of managing data in complex discovery processes involving experimental protocols with numerous data-producing and computational steps has become the gating factor that determines the pace of discovery. The lack of comprehensive systems to capture, manage, organize and retrieve data throughout the discovery life cycle leads to significant overheads on scientists' time and effort, reduced productivity, lack of reproducibility, and an absence of data sharing. In “creative fields” like digital photography and music, digital asset management (DAM) systems for capturing, managing, curating and consuming digital assets like photos and audio recordings, have fundamentally transformed how these data are used. While asset management has not taken hold in eScience applications, we believe that transformation similar to that observed in the creative space could be achieved in scientific domains if appropriate ecosystems of asset management tools existed to capture, manage, and curate data throughout the scientific discovery process. In this paper, we introduce DERIVA, a framework and infrastructure for asset management in eScience and present initial results from its usage in active research use cases.
Quantification of Pediatric Abdominal Organ Motion With a 4-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Method.

Purpose To characterize respiration-induced abdominal organ motion in children receiving radiation treatment with a 4-dimensional (4D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method. Methods and Materials We analyzed free-breathing coronal 4D MRI datasets acquired from 35 patients (aged 1-20 years) with abdominal tumors. A deformable image registration of the 4D MRI datasets was performed to derive motion trajectories of selected anatomic landmarks, from which organ motions were quantified. The association between organ motion and patient characteristics was investigated and compared with previous studies. The relation between patient height and organ motion was further investigated to predict organ motion in prospective patients. Results Organ motion and its individual variation were reduced in younger patients (eg, kidney peak-to-peak motion Conclusions The 4D MRI acquisition method and motion analysis described in this study provide a nonionizing approach to understand age-associated organ motion, which aids in the planning of abdominal radiation therapy for pediatric patients. Use of 4D MRI facilitates monitoring of changes in target motion patterns during treatment courses and in various studies of the effect of organ motion on radiation treatment.
Public Provision of Water

This note is used in the Darden course elective, "The Economics of Water." In many cities, water, sewage, and electricity utilities are city-owned, not-for-profit institutions. Indeed, a 2011 survey of 330 major cities worldwide published by Global Water Intelligence reveals that almost 85% of the water services of the cities surveyed are publicly managed; public–private partnerships account for 5%, and about 10% are privately run. As this note argues, there is a reason for this institutional setup. Excerpt UVA-GEM-0120 Rev. Nov. 13, 2014 Public Provision of Water In many cities, water, sewage, and electricity utilities are city-owned, not-for-profit institutions. Indeed, a 2011 survey of 330 major cities worldwide published by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) of the United Kingdom reveals that almost 85% of the water services of the cities surveyed are publicly managed; public–private partnerships account for 5%, and about 10% are privately run. As this note argues, there is a reason for this institutional setup. Even though municipal water consumption is a relatively small percentage of total water use in the United States and elsewhere, delivering water in a city or area entails major infrastructure and capital expenditures. It takes a whole network of pipes, valves, pumps, and meters and lots of design, engineering, and construction to transport water. GWI estimates that the total worldwide capital expenditures for water networks in 2013 was at $ 47 billion; that number was even higher for wastewater capital expenditures ($ 59 billion). Figure 1 breaks down the water network capital expenditures by category. Because of the significant capital costs the water infrastructure of cities often has deep historical roots. The water infrastructure of London, for example, goes back many centuries. David Sedlak roughly distinguishes three phases in how urban water infrastructures were built. Initially, and often inspired by the pioneers of ancient Rome, piped water systems and sewers were built. Later, especially in an effort to stem water-borne diseases, drinking water treatment was developed. In the third phase, finally, sewage water treatment plants became a standard feature of urban water systems. . . .
On the origin of relapse in AML

Preexisting therapy-resistant leukemia stem cell populations underlie the cellular origin of relapse in acute myeloid leukemia.
Multifractality, Interactivity, and the Adaptive Capacity of the Human Movement System: A Perspective for Advancing the Conceptual Basis of Neurologic Physical Therapy.

Background and Purpose:Physical therapists seek to optimize movement as a means of reducing disability and improving health. The short-term effects of interventions designed to optimize movement ultimately are intended to be adapted for use across various future patterns of behavior, in potentially
Accurate ADC testing with significantly relaxed instrumentation including large cumulative jitter

Spectral testing and linearity testing are two important categories in ADC testing. The sampling clock quality is a crucial factor in ADC spectral testing. The cumulative clock jitter of the sampling clock generates power leakage in the fundamental component of the ADC output spectrum, and the random clock jitter increases the noise floor of the ADC output spectrum, which corrupts the spectrum result of the ADC. This paper proposes a new algorithm to accurately estimate the ADC specifications despite sampling clock jitter. The ADC output sequence is divided into small segments. Each segment is paired with another one, such that their initial phases match with each other the best. By analyzing the difference of each segment pair, the noise power is separated from clock jitter and is estimated accurately. In each segment, by removing the estimated local cumulative jitter, the leakage due to cumulative clock jitter is removed, correct harmonic and non-harmonic spur information is obtained. Simulation and measurement results comparing with the standard test methods corroborated the accuracy and robustness of the new solution. This method significantly relaxed the stringent test requirements on high precision sampling clock and dramatically reduced the test cost and complexity, which offers potential for low cost on-chip testing.
Universal Design for Instruction in Nursing Education: An Integrative Review.

Aim The aim of the study was to explore the use of universal design for instruction (UDI) in nursing education. Background Educators seek to employ innovative pedagogies accessible to diverse learners across learning environments. UDI, an inclusive strategy for meeting this goal is not well known in nursing education. Method An integrative review was used to meet the study's aim. Five databases were searched for literature published between 2000 and 2013. Results Of 45 articles retrieved, only three studies and 14 feature articles met the inclusion criteria. A literature matrix was used to synthesize major concepts to create theme labels: marginalized students as a vulnerable population, faculty lack of knowledge of UDI, reactive versus proactive instructional design, and best teaching practices. Conclusion The lack of UDI knowledge by educators is a barrier to its usage. Implications and recommendations for adopting universal design in nursing education are discussed.
Bloodstains, paintings, and drugs: Raman spectroscopy applications in forensic science

Abstract This review recounts recent developments in Raman spectroscopy with regards to forensic science. Topics covered in this manuscript include: chemometrics, controlled substances, toxicology, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, explosives, gunshot residue, hair, fibers, paints, lipstick and nail polish, body fluids, forensic anthropology, and document examination.
Development of A Monolithic Shape Memory Alloy Manipulator

The essential steps and issues in the development of a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) based multi-degrees-of-freedom monolithic manipulator are reflected upon. The use of Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) will be described for the manufacture of the manipulator’s structure followed by the exploration of the feasibility of the “self-sensing” functionality of the structure as a basis for the manipulator’s control. Finally, a synopsis of a new mathematical model of the kinetics of the temperature-induced phase transformation that was developed and its experimental verification will be given and shown that the analytical predictions closely follow the experimentally measured responses.
Attributable Cost of Dementia: Demonstrating Pitfalls of Ignoring Multiple Health Care System Utilization.

Objectives To determine dementia prevalence and costs attributable to dementia using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data with and without Medicare data. Data sources VHA inpatient, outpatient, purchased care and other data and Medicare enrollment, claims, and assessments in fiscal year (FY) 2013. Study design Analyses were conducted with VHA data alone and with combined VHA and Medicare data. Dementia was identified from a VHA sanctioned list of ICD-9 diagnoses. Attributable cost of dementia was estimated using recycled predictions. Data collection Veterans age 65 and older who used VHA and were enrolled in Traditional Medicare in FY 2013 (1.9 million). Principal findings VHA records indicated the prevalence of dementia in FY 2013 was 4.8 percent while combined VHA and Medicare data indicated the prevalence was 7.4 percent. Attributable cost of dementia to VHA was, on average, $10,950 per veteran per year (pvpy) using VHA alone and $6,662 pvpy using combined VHA and Medicare data. Combined VHA and Medicare attributable cost of dementia was $11,285 pvpy. Utilization attributed to dementia using VHA data alone was lower for long-term institutionalization and higher for supportive care services than indicated in combined VHA and Medicare data. Conclusions Better planning for clinical and cost-efficient care requires VHA and Medicare to share data for veterans with dementia and likely more generally.
Hereditary Motor Neuropathies and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Molecular and Clinical Update

This article provides an overview of recent advancements in the fields of hereditary motor neuropathies and ALS. There has been a robust growth in our knowledge and understanding of hereditary and degenerative motor neuronopathies/neuropathies over the last decade. Many breakthroughs in the field of hereditary motor neuropathies (HMN) have been associated with identification and characterization of the genes and molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders. Similar recent breakthroughs on the genetic and molecular underpinnings of the degenerative motor neuronopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have been accompanied by advancements in biomarker research and the development and FDA approval of novel therapies. There is a reasonable hope that the marked and continued growth in our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of the HMNs will translate into novel therapeutic approaches in the decade to come. Such breakthroughs have already begun in ALS, where novel biomarkers and treatment strategies have translated into a new FDA-approved therapy with a number of promising agents in development and/or in definitive phase 2/3 trials.
Public support for police use of SWAT: examining the relevance of legitimacy

For five decades, law enforcement agencies have developed specialized units, such as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, for dealing with dangerous situations. In recent years, the uses of SW...
Cirolanides wassenichae sp. nov., a freshwater, subterranean Cirolanidae (Isopoda, Cymothoida) with additional records of other species from Texas, United States.

Cirolanides wassenichae sp. nov., is described from the phreatic zone of the Edwards Aquifer, Texas, USA where it is sympatric with Cirolanides texensis Benedict, 1896. Its status as a new species is based on both morphological and molecular data. Number of antennula articles (3–5 vs 9–15), size (mean sizes of 9.5 and 8.8 mm vs 11.1 and 10.4 mm for males and females, respectively), morphology of pereopods 1–3 (haptorial to semi-haptorial in 1–3 vs only 1 haptorial), and shape of pleotelson (squared, slightly indented vs rounded) are key morphological characteristics that distinguish C. wassenichae sp. nov. from C. texensis. Phylogenies based on cytochrome oxidase 1 and large ribosomal subunit 28S show that divergent morphologies correspond to reciprocally monophyletic groups for both nuclear and mitochondrial datasets. The genus Cirolanides is in need of revision, as our description of C. wassenichae sp. nov. renders C. texensis paraphyletic.
Role of gut metabolism of adrenal corticosteroids and hypertension: clues gut-cleansing antibiotics give us.

Intestinal bacteria can metabolize sterols, bile acids, steroid hormones, dietary proteins, fiber, foodstuffs, and short chain fatty acids. The metabolic products generated by some of these intesti...
Granular cell tumor (myoblastoma) of the stomach

This report documents the thirteenth known case of a granular cell tumor (myoblastoma) in the wall of the stomach. The clinical, gross, and microscopic findings are typical. Electron microscopy contributes evidence supporting the neural origin of most of these lesions. The striking granular alterations within the cytoplasm appear related to abnormal accentuation of the lysosome system. Although rare malignant examples occur, granular cell tumors generally occupy an ill-defined position between reactive hyperplasia and benign neoplasia.
U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Brief of Law Professors in Support of Petitioner, Graviss v. Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools, No. 18-1061

This brief was filed by law professors and legal scholars with expertise in civil procedure, federal jurisdiction, and related subjects. In recent years, the Supreme Court has frequently addressed whether to treat certain litigation requirements as jurisdictional conditions or as nonjurisdictional claim-processing rules. It has laudably strived "to bring some discipline" to the over-classification of litigation requirements as jurisdictional. It has justifiably criticized "drive-by jurisdictional rulings" that have "mischaracterized claim-processing rules or elements of a cause of action as jurisdictional limitations." The Federal Circuit's decision below exemplifies the problem. Disregarding the letter and spirit of the Supreme Court's precedent, the Federal Circuit mistakenly treated as jurisdictional the 60-day deadline for filing a petition for review of decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). See 5 U.S.C. § 7703(b)(1)(A). That Karen Graviss may have filed her petition one day beyond the 60-day window was not raised for nearly three years after her petition was filed. She and the government had litigated her due process claim on the merits in the Federal Circuit, and neither the government nor the initial panel asserted a failure to comply with the 60-day deadline. The panel ruled in Ms. Graviss's favor on the merits, and the government sought en banc rehearing in the Federal Circuit - -again without asserting that the petition was time-barred. It was the en banc Federal Circuit that raised the issue for the first time, eventually concluding that the difference between 61 days and 60 days deprived it of subject-matter jurisdiction. This result confounds the Supreme Court's recent guidance on "the critical differences between true jurisdictional conditions and nonjurisdictional limitations on causes of action." The Court has appropriately acknowledged that deeming a requirement to be jurisdictional can thwart the fair and efficient adjudication of disputes in the federal system. And the Court has clarified that time requirements like the one at issue in this case -- which does not involve "the transfer of adjudicatory authority from one Article III court to another" -- can be jurisdictional only if Congress "clearly states that [it] shall count as jurisdictional." Because there is no such clear statement by Congress that § 7703(b)(1)'s 60-day deadline is jurisdictional, the Supreme Court should grant certiorari and reverse the Federal Circuit's decision below.
Parents' Use of Mobile Documentation in a Reggio Emilia-Inspired School.

Although educators see the potential of mobile documentation as a tool to enhance communication between children and parents in early childhood, very little empirical research has been conducted on how parents use it. The purpose of this survey study was to investigate parents’ use of mobile documentation in a Reggio Emilia-inspired school. Specifically, we investigated to determine whether the pattern of using mobile documentation is different in fathers and mothers. A total of 274 parents (103 fathers and 171 mothers) from nine classrooms in one Reggio Emilia-inspired school participated in the survey. The independent samples t test and Chi square statistics results showed significant differences in use of mobile documentation by fathers and mothers. Mothers checked it more frequently, left messages more often, and shared the information provided with extended family more than fathers. A discussion of patterns of using mobile documentation is provided.
A Comparison of Two Pair Programming Configurations for Upper Elementary Students

As computer science education opportunities for elementary students (grades K-5) are expanding, there is growing interest in using pair programming with these students. However, previous research findings do not fully support its use with younger learners, and some researchers have begun to examine whether introducing a second computer with a shared coding workspace can provide important benefits. This experience report describes a series of classroom activities in the 4th and 5th grades (ages 9-11 years old) with two different pair programming configurations: one-computer pair programming, in which both students share a keyboard, mouse, and monitor; and two-computer pair programming, in which each student has a separate computer but coding workspaces are synchronized over the web. In both cases the students sat next to each other and engaged in face-to-face conversation. We found that students largely preferred two-computer pair programming over one-computer pair programming. We conducted focus groups and transcribed collaborative dialogues to gain more insight into this preference. We learned that students felt more independence in two-computer pair programming, although they struggled with coordinating their edits with their partner. In one-computer pair programming, students reported not wanting to wait for their turn to drive, but feeling as though they communicated more with their partner. Both configurations can be productive for students, but the tradeoffs described in this experience report are important for CS educators and researchers to consider when determining which collaborative configuration to use in each K-5 classroom context.
PTU-102 Modern management of primary biliary cholangitis: multidisciplinary team decision-making using a hub and spoke model

Introduction In April 2017, NHS England (NHSE) commissioned the use of obeticholic acid as a licensed treatment option for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease which causes progressive destruction in interlobular bile ducts leading to chronic liver disease. As per commissioning requirements, access is limited via specialist hospitals through referral to a dedicated hepatology multidisciplinary team (MDT). As one of the large tertiary referral centres chosen as a referral site, we took the approach of establishing a hub and spoke model to enable access to specialist care without the need for patients to be seen directly at the referral site. Methods A PBC specific MDT with a quorum consisting of two Consultant Hepatologists and a Specialist Hepatology Pharmacist was established at the hub site. Hospitals in the surrounding area which were considered spoke sites were identified and contacted by the MDT to inform them of the process of making referrals. A training event was organised inviting all spoke hospitals to discuss the pathway and address their needs as referrers in addition to providing an update on current guidelines and therapies for the management of PBC. Figure 1 shows the simple referral pathway established. A telephone and email helpline was made available to patients and referring clinicians in the event of any adverse effects or if further advice was required. Results In a 14-month period, 77 patients were referred to the PBC MDT with 38/77 (49%) of patients being referred from spoke sites. 46/77 (60%) of patients were commenced on obeticholic acid, 26/77 (34%) were commenced on bezafibrate (unlicensed), 3/77 (4%) patients were recruited into a clinical trial and 2/77 (2%) patients were referred for transplant assessment. Conclusions This demonstrates that the management of PBC is achievable through the development of hub and spoke pathways with key stakeholder input. It ensures equity of access to care and linkage to specialist services for the long term management of liver health.
Genetic Control of Hypersensitivity and Pathogenicity in Pseudomonas Syringae PV. Phaseolicola

Pseudomonas syringae pathovars are ideal organisms to use in studies of host-pathogen interactions. These organisms are related taxonomically, but are different from each other with respect to pathology, host species, genus or cultivar specificity, type of disease they produce, and the production of chemically distinct Phytotoxins [1,2]. Some members of this group share common hosts and virtually all elicit hypersensitive responses in plants they do not normally infect [3]. Furthermore, the high degree of genetic homology among many of them [2] makes it likely that the organisms themselves or the genes which determine their similar properties have common evolutionary origins.
A Case of Wernicke's Encephalopathy in a Pregnant Woman With a History of Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological complication of thiamine deficiency characterized by a triad of acute confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Even though it is most common in chronic alcoholism, an increase in prevalence has been reported recently due to the increased popularity of bariatric surgeries. WE is a known neurological complication after gastric bypass surgery but rarely reported after sleeve gastrectomy. We present a unique case of WE in pregnant women four months after sleeve gastrectomy.
Uses of Chaos Theory and Fractal Geometry in Fiction

Like many branches of mathematics, chaos theory and fractal geometry have provided new tools for understanding the world around us, but these two relatively recent mathematical topics have also had a surprisingly large influence on popular culture and literature. After a brief section introducing and reviewing the relevant mathematical definitions and results, this chapter will survey the works of fiction that explicitly address or employ chaos theory and fractals. Special emphasis will be placed on identifying the different ways in which authors utilize the underlying mathematical concepts and, on occasion, correcting their misconceptions. The works to be discussed include mystery novels like The Fractal Murders by Mark Cohen, science fiction novels like Cixim Liu’s The Three-Body Problem, films like Jurassic Park, and Tom Stoppard’s play Arcadia.
Acute Liver Injury After Long-Term Herbal "Liver Cleansing" and "Sleep Aid" Supplement Use.

Abstract Background Acute liver injury is reported in association with toxins, pharmaceuticals, and viral infections. Increasingly prevalent are cases of herbal- and dietary supplement–related hepatotoxicity. Early recognition of this potentially life-threatening complication by emergency care providers leads to more appropriate management and disposition. Case Report A 53-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of jaundice and increased abdominal girth after a month-long use of a combination herbal “liver-cleansing” compound and a nightly herbal “sleep aid.” The “Liver Detoxifier and Regenerator” listed multiple constituents, including concentrated scute root and turmeric root; “Restful Sleep” listed multiple constituents, including valerian. Emergency department evaluation revealed marked hyperbilirubinemia with liver enzyme elevations indicative of cholestatic jaundice. Imaging studies, including ultrasound and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, revealed hepatomegaly and steatosis without biliary dilatation; a biopsy specimen was obtained, and the results were consistent with drug-induced liver injury. The patient's liver function abnormalities gradually improved with discontinuation of the products as well as a tapered course of corticosteroid therapy. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? A significant proportion of the U.S. adult population uses herbal and dietary supplements. Most patients do not discuss nonprescription medication use with their providers and many physicians will not specifically ask about herbal supplements. It is important for emergency physicians to be aware of the potential for herbal supplements to contribute to acute liver injury and be able to investigate the active agents reported in these formulations. The diagnostic criteria for cholestatic jaundice and drug-induced liver injury are discussed.
STEM Persisters, Switchers, and Leavers: Factors Associated with 6-Year Degree Attainment for STEM Aspiring Community College Transfer Students

Focusing on community college transfer students who declared a STEM major at their initial transfer to a four-year research university, this study examined the extent to which students’ sociodemogr...
Language ideology and order in rising China

This book is a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation into the role of language as a component of nation-state building and soft power in China's rise over the past two decades. The author draw...
Trends in Early-onset vs Late-onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence by Race/Ethnicity in the United States Cancer Statistics Database.

Background & Aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence has decreased overall in the last several decades, but it has increased among younger adults. Prior studies have characterized this phenomenon in the United States (U.S.) using only a small subset of cases. We describe CRC incidence trends using high-quality data from 92% of the U.S. population, with an emphasis on those younger than 50 years. Methods We obtained 2001 to 2016 data from the U.S. Cancer Statistics database and analyzed CRC incidence for all age groups, with a focus on individuals diagnosed at ages 20 to 49 years (early-onset CRC). We compared incidence trends stratified by age, as well as by race/ethnicity, sex, region, anatomic site, and stage at diagnosis. Results We observed 191,659 cases of early-onset and 1,097,765 cases of late-onset CRC during the study period. Overall, CRC incidence increased in every age group from 20 to 54 years. Whites were the only racial group with a consistent increase in incidence across all younger ages, with the steepest rise seen after 2012. Hispanics also experienced smaller increases in incidence in most of the younger age groups. Asians/Pacific Islanders and blacks saw no increase in incidence in any age group in 2016, but blacks continued to have the highest incidence of CRC for every age group. Greater increase in early-onset CRC incidence was observed for males, left-sided tumors, and regional and distant disease. Conclusions Early-onset CRC incidence increased overall from 2001 to 2016, but the trends were markedly different for whites, blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics. These results may inform future research on the risk factors underlying early-onset CRC.
Bat activity patterns relative to temporal and weather effects in a temperate coastal environment

Abstract The northeastern and mid-Atlantic coasts of the United States are important summer maternity habitat and seasonal migratory corridors for many species of bats. Additionally, the effects of weather on bat activity are relatively unknown beyond coarse nightly scales. Using acoustic detectors, we assessed nightly and hourly activity patterns for eight species of bats over 21 consecutive months at Fire Island National Seashore, New York. The site is an important bat conservation area because it hosts one of the few confirmed northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) maternity colonies in the region despite their widespread extirpation due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). There have been no reported captures of little brown bats (M. lucifugus), Indiana bats (M. sodalis), or tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) at the site post-WNS. Overall, we found mean hourly temperature, time since sunset, day of year, and year to be the most important predictors of bat activity levels for all examined species. Most non-hibernating, migratory species in our study demonstrated a positive relationship to mean temperature at the hourly timescale, whereas cave-hibernating bats tended to show a negative relationship to mean temperature during the time of year when they are expected to be active. Although most bat activity occurred in the late spring through early autumn, peaking in summer, some activity occurred periodically in the winter months, mostly attributable to the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivigans) phonic group. Unexpectedly, relationships of bat activity to wind and precipitation were largely equivocal. Initial presence (as early as March 30) and departure (between November 1–4) for northern long-eared bats at our study area occurred earlier in the spring and later in the fall than occurs for inland populations, suggesting that the species overwinters on Long Island rather than at inland karst caves or mines. A peak in spring activity characteristic of migratory behavior in the central Appalachians and Atlantic Coast was not observed at Fire Island, although Eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) and hoary bats (L. cinereus) – both migratory species – did show a notable rise in activity in the late summer and early fall, suggesting these populations may migrate to and from Fire Island. Understanding the temporal and weather relationships to bat activity in this coastal environment may have important implications for tailoring more effective conservation and management strategies by identifying optimal timing for surveys, tracking bats during peak migratory windows, and providing insights that minimizes impacts to extant bats from activities such as wind-energy development or land management, i.e., forestry.
Male HELLP pups experience sensorimotor delays and reduced body weight

Offspring of Preeclampsia (PreE) and HELLP Syndrome are at an increased risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. In the current study we sought to determine if offspring from experimental models of PreE and HELLP had evidence of early onset neurodevelopmental delay. Offspring from PreE, HELLP and normal pregnant dams were assessed in a battery of sensorimotor tests beginning on postnatal day (PND) 3. Male HELLP offspring showed altered behavior in the surface righting reflex on PND 3 and cliff avoidance task from PND 3-6 relative to other groups. Results suggest that there are sex differences in offspring born to dams with PreE and HELLP.
Homicide and the Opioid Epidemic: A Longitudinal Analysis:

Recent cross-sectional research has disclosed a positive relationship between opioid-related death rates and homicide rates. The current study adds a longitudinal dimension to this research. We est...
Utilizing Supplemental Online Modules for Physician Assistant Student Electrocardiogram Interpretation Training.

PURPOSE The literature suggests that graduating medical and physician assistant (PA) students lack competency in electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. This project aimed to determine whether use of perceptual adaptive learning modules (PALMs) would improve PA students' ECG interpretation, alter self-perceptions of their ECG education, or both. METHODS PALMs were incorporated into the PA curriculum after lecture-based ECG learning. Students' pretest, posttest, and delayed-posttest scores were then compared. Students' ability to correctly interpret ECGs (accuracy) and the percentage of ECGs accurately interpreted within 15 seconds or less (fluency) also were evaluated. Finally, students' perceptions of PALMs and overall ECG training were assessed. RESULTS PALM training improved ECG interpretation accuracy and fluency (p < .0001), as well as delayed-posttest accuracy and fluency (p < .0001). The majority of student respondents felt supplemental training enhanced their learning. CONCLUSION These perception results combined with data on ECG interpretation improvement supports continued use of supplemental PALMs in ECG interpretation training.
The Language of Logic

This chapter outlines the study of the principles and procedures of reasoning. This execution was invented by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who is popularly known as the father of logic. Logic plays a central role in the development of every area of learning, especially in mathematics and computer science. Besides the philosophers, computer scientists also use logic to develop programming languages and to establish the correctness of programs. Electronics engineers apply logic in the design of computer chips. The chapter emphasizes the fundamentals of logic, its symbols, and its rules which can help in systematic thinking, to express in precise and concise terms, and to make valid arguments when needed. The various propositions explained in the chapter are the truth value, conjunction, disjunction, negation, implication (converse, inverse, and contrapositive), order of precedence, tautology, contradiction, and contingency. The logic equivalences are also explained in the chapter, including switching networks, fuzzy logic, and fuzzy decisions.
The nuclear cycle of the myxomyceteEchinostelium minutum: II. Cytophotometric analysis of the nuclear DNA content of the sporangial phase

Abstract Nuclei of uncleaved sporangia of Echinostelium minutum isolate D-3 1971 have a mean Feulgen-DNA content of 1.84. This value does not differ significantly from that recorded for the nuclei of the amoebal and plasmodial phases. No nuclei were found with a DNA content twice that of the nuclei in the amoebae, plasmodia, or uncleaved sporangia. This observation appears to rule out the possibility of zygotic meiosis. A single endosporic nuclear division occurs during the maturation which follows spore cleavage. The mean DNA content of the metaphases measured was 1.99. No metaphases were observed with a DNA content that would be indicative of a second division of meiosis. Also, no 4:2:1 reduction in DNA content was observed. These data confirm our previous hypothesis that this isolate of E. minutum normally lacks a sexual phase. The single nuclear division in the maturing spore is followed by one of the division products becoming euchromatic and undergoing a single round of DNA replication, while the other division product becomes very pycnotic, eventually degenerating. The mean nuclear DNA values for the euchromatic and pycnotic nuclei are 1.84 and 0.88, respectively. Mature spores normally become uninucleate and have a nuclear DNA content which is equivalent to that of the amoebal and plasmodial phases.
Patients with 3‐Vessel Coronary Artery Disease and Impaired Ventricular Function Undergoing PCI with Impella 2.5 Hemodynamic Support Have Improved 90‐Day Outcomes Compared to Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump: A Sub‐Study of The PROTECT II Trial

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of hemodynamic support using Impella 2.5 (IR2.5) vs intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease (3VD). Background PROTECT II demonstrated favorable 90-day outcomes in patients with impaired LVEF and left main or 3VD undergoing PCI with hemodynamic support with IR2.5 compared to IABP. It is unclear if this was due to a specific benefit in a patient sub-population and if certain patients may derive particular benefit from PCI with IR2.5 support. Methods Patients in PROTECT II were stratified upon enrollment into the left main/last patent vessel or 3VD subgroups and randomized to IR2.5 or IABP within those groups. Patients in the 3VD substratum were required to have LVEF ≤30%. Results Among the 3VD subgroup (n = 325 patients; IR2.5 167, IABP 158) patients were well matched, except for prior heart failure or CABG, which were more common in the IR2.5 group (both P ≤ 0.01). Mean number of lesions treated was 3.0 ± 1.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.4 (P = 0.61). At 30 days after PCI, patients that received IR2.5 compared to IABP support trended toward a reduction in incidence of major adverse events (MAE): 32.9% vs. 42.4% (P = 0.078). At 90 days after PCI, there was a significant difference favoring IR2.5 for incidence of MAE: 39.5% vs. 51.0% (P = 0.039), with this effect being consistent across multiple clinical subgroups. Use of IR2.5 was an independent predictor of improved 90-day outcomes. Conclusions Patients with 3VD and reduced LVEF show improved outcomes when PCI is performed with IR2.5 hemodynamic support. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:32–40)
Lymph node staging using dedicated magnetic resonance contrast agents—the accumulation mechanism revisited

When diagnosing cancer, assessing the nodal stage is tremendously important in determining the patient's prognosis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) assessments of the regional lymph node (LN) size and shape are currently used for the initial nodal staging in clinical settings, although this approach has a rather low sensitivity, and biopsy often leads to restaging of the LNs. Acknowledging the great medical need to accurately stage LNs, scientists and clinicians have been working since the late 1980s on MR contrast agents that provide more reliable staging results. Different types of molecules (i.e., iron oxide nanoparticles and Gd-based contrast agent) have shown promising LN accumulation and imaging results, but no clinically approved, dedicated LN staging contrast agent is currently available. The literature describes a mechanism of contrast agent accumulation in the LNs that considers some but not all published experimental evidence. However, confidence in the mechanism of LN accumulation is a prerequisite for the directed synthesis of compounds for accurate and sensitive LN staging. To improve our understanding of the LN contrast agent accumulation mechanism, we reviewed the published data on the enrichment of colloidal MR contrast agent candidates in LNs, and we suggest an extended mechanism for contrast agent enrichment in LNs. For further clarification, physiology and results from drug targeting studies are considered where applicable.
Proteinase families and their inhibitors.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the classification and biochemical properties of proteinases and their inhibitors. The chapter emphasizes on the three proteolytic systems that mediate apoptosis in various cell types: caspases, calpains, and proteasome. It intends to be a practical guide on the proper use of proteinase inhibitors. This enables the reader to compare and select inhibitors most appropriate for a particular application. There are five general types of proteinases: serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic, and metallo. All proteinases require a nucleophile for hydrolyzing the peptide bond. The catalytic mechanism, however, is fundamentally different between enzymes of the first three types and those of the last two types. The specificity of inhibitors by the catalytic mechanism and the conformation in and around the active site is determined. Reagents that react with hydroxyl or thiol groups are often potent inhibitors of serine and threonine or cysteine proteinases, respectively. However, they react with any available group on the protein and thus may inhibit activity indirectly by altering higher order structure.
Temporary decrease in renal quinone reductase activity induced by chronic administration of estradiol to male Syrian hamsters. Increased superoxide formation by redox cycling of estrogen.

Abstract Cytochrome P-450-mediated redox cycling between the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) and diethylstilbestrol-4',4"-quinone (DES Q) has previously been demonstrated. Cytochrome P-450 reductase catalyzes the reduction of DES Q presumably via a semiquinone formed by one-electron reduction. A reducing action of NAD(P)H quinone reductase (EC 1.6.99.2) mediating two-electron reduction of DES Q has been investigated in the present work. Quinone reductase catalyzed the conversion in the presence of NADH or NADPH of DES Q to 53-65% Z-DES, a marker product of reduction. Dicumarol (15 microM), a known specific inhibitor of quinone reductase, inhibited this reduction almost completely. Using microsomes from Syrian hamster kidney, a target organ of estrogen-induced carcinogenesis, the reduction of DES Q was only partially inhibited by dicumarol. Apparent Km values of quinone reductase and cytochrome P-450 reductase were 17.25 and 11.9 microM, respectively. These data demonstrate that in hamster kidney, quinone reductase and cytochrome P-450 reductase compete for the reduction of DES Q. Microsomal 02-. radical generation was stimulated 10-fold over base levels by the addition of 100 microM DES Q. The formation of 02-. radicals was inhibited by addition of superoxide dismutase (0.2 mg/ml) or by 2'-AMP or NADP, known inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 reductase. In contrast, dicumarol enhanced microsome-mediated 02-. formation. It is concluded that cytochrome P-450 reductase in hamster kidney microsomes mediates one-electron reduction of estrogen quinones to free radicals (semiquinones), which may subsequently enter redox cycling with molecular oxygen to form 02-.. Moreover, quinone reductase reduces DES Q directly to E- and Z-DES, and thus may prevent the formation of toxic intermediates during redox cycling of estrogens. Measurements of quinone reductase activity in liver and kidney of hamsters treated with estrogen for various lengths of time revealed a temporary decrease in activity by 80% specifically in the kidney after 1 month of chronic treatment with estradiol. Thus, a temporary decrease in quinone reductase activity, which occurred specifically in estrogen-exposed hamster kidney, may enhance the formation of free radical intermediates generated during biotransformation of estrogens.
Graphical Models as Block-Tree Graphs

We introduce block-tree graphs as a framework for deriving efficient algorithms on graphical models. We define block-tree graphs as a tree-structured graph where each node is a cluster of nodes such that the clusters in the graph are disjoint. This differs from junction-trees, where two clusters connected by an edge always have at least one common node. When compared to junction-trees, we show that constructing block-tree graphs is faster, and finding optimal block-tree graphs has a much smaller search space. Applying our block-tree graph framework to graphical models, we show that, for some graphs, e.g., grid graphs, using block-tree graphs for inference is computationally more efficient than using junction-trees. For graphical models with boundary conditions, the block-tree graph framework transforms the boundary valued problem into an initial value problem. For Gaussian graphical models, the block-tree graph framework leads to a linear state-space representation. Since exact inference in graphical models can be computationally intractable, we propose to use spanning block-trees to derive approximate inference algorithms. Experimental results show the improved performance in using spanning block-trees versus using spanning trees for approximate estimation over Gaussian graphical models.
It's an app. It's a hypervisor. It's a hypapp. : Design and Implementation of an eXtensible and Modular Hypervisor Framework

Abstract : This paper presents our efforts in developing XMHF, an eXtensible and Modular Hypervisor Framework. XMHF takes a developer-centric approach to hypervisor design and implementation, and strives to be a comprehensible and flexible platform for performing hypervisor research and development. XMHF encapsulates common hypervisor core functionality in a framework that allows others to build custom hypervisor-based solutions (called hypapps) while freeing them from a considerable amount of wheel-reinventing that is often associated with such efforts. We are encouraged by the end result - a clean, barebones hypervisor framework with desirable performance characteristics and an architecture amenable to formal analysis.
Non-symmetric scattering in light transport algorithms

Non-symmetric scattering is far more common in computer graphics than is generally recognized, and can occur even when the underlying scattering model is physically correct. For example, we show that non-symmetry occurs whenever light is refracted, and also whenever shading normals are used (e.g. due to interpolation of normals in a triangle mesh, or bump mapping [5]).