cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Macrostructural Forces to Social Connectedness: Uncovering the Determinants of South–South Migration

Current perspectives on international migration emphasize conventional macrostructural influences on flows and focus nearly exclusively on migration from South to North. Given this limited framework, and the rapid growth of South–South migration, important questions remain: Do other factors acknowledged in the theoretical literature, but not yet systematically tested, also affect migration flows? Are South–North models appropriate for explaining South–South migration? This study directly addresses these questions using newly available data on bilateral migration flows and an empirical model that extends conventional gravity models of migration to include social connectedness and world-systemic influences. Further, it offers an original framework for analyzing international migration by examining flows first on a global scale and then disaggregated by region. Findings show that while South–North migration is significantly shaped by world-systems trends, such as trade and investment penetration, South–South...
Evidence-Based Medicine Approach to Abdominal Pain

The chief complaint of abdominal pain accounts for 5% to 10% of all presentations in the emergency department. With such broad differential and diagnostic modalities available, this article focuses on a systematic approach to evaluating abdominal pain, essential to providing patients with efficient and accurate care.
In Search of Triggering Conditions for Spontaneous Visual Perspective Taking.

Visual perspective taking (VPT) – people’s ability to represent the physical world from another person’s viewpoint – plays a fundamental role in social cognition. However, little is known about whether and when VPT can be triggered spontaneously without any explicit verbal prompting. In six studies, we measured spontaneous VPT as the tendency to read an ambiguous number from another agent’s imagined perspective (“6”) rather than from one’s own default visual perspective (“9”). We found that the likelihood of spontaneous VPT varied systematically with the target agent’s behavior. The strongest trigger for spontaneous VPT was the agent’s goal-directed reaching, followed by object-directed gaze, and lastly the agent’s mere presence in the scene. Furthermore, observing an agent’s reaching or gaze toward an object triggered viewers’ spontaneous VPT even for objects with which the agent was currently not engaged.
Progress in interferon and cytokine biology.

The 15th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research was held on October 19-24, 1997, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. In this meeting Bryan Williams and Robert Silverman review the scientific highlights of the proceedings. Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) were among the major topics discussed at this meeting. Fortunately, the scientific program of the meeting, organized by Tom Cesario (U.C., Irvine), was sufficiently interesting to hold cytokine biologists in darkened halls away from the splendid marina and sunny San Diego skies.
Anxiety Scores in Caregivers of Children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Objectives Caring for children with congenital heart disease places significant stress on caregivers. Minimal data exist evaluating stress levels in caregivers of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The goal of this study was to obtain baseline stress scores for caregivers of children with HLHS and determine if associations exist between scores and specific caregiver factors. Study Design A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey targeted towards caregivers of children with HLHS was performed. Baseline demographics of the caregiver and child with HLHS were obtained. Caregivers completed three validated questionnaires including the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Parenting Stress Index- Short Form (PSI-SF) and the Pediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP). Results Four hundred fifty-nine caregivers completed at least one questionnaire. PSI-SF total score was 80.5 ± 23.1 (> 86 = significant stress), PIP frequency total score was 119.0 ± 37.2, and PIP difficulty total score was 118.1 ± 35.7. Lower quality of life was significantly correlated with higher scores on the PSI-SF (r = −0.6), the presence of a developmental issue in the child (r = 0.3) as well as higher scores on the PIP frequency (r = −0.5) and difficulty scales (r = 0.4). Other demographic values for the caregiver and child did not significantly correlate with PSI or PIP total scores. Conclusions Anxiety/stress scores of caregivers with children with HLHS are correlated with how well the child is perceived to be doing physically and developmentally by the caregivers. Caregivers with physical and/or developmental concerns may need added psychosocial support.
Microfluidic droplet sorting using integrated bilayer micro-valves

This paper reports on a microfluidic device capable of sorting microfluidic droplets utilizing conventional bilayer pneumatic micro-valves as sorting controllers. The device consists of two micro-valves placed symmetrically on two sides of a sorting area, each on top of a branching channel at an inclined angle with respect to the main channel. Changes in transmitted light intensity, induced by varying light absorbance by each droplet, are used to divert the droplet from the sorting area into one of the three outlet channels. When no valve is activated, the droplet flows into the outlet channel in the direction of the main channel. When one of the valves is triggered, the flexible membrane of valve will first be deflected. Once the droplet leaves the detection point, the deflected membrane will immediately return to its default flattened position, thereby exerting a drawing pressure on the droplet and deviating it from its original streamline to the outlet on the same side as the valve. This sorting method will be particularly suitable for numerous large-scale integrated microfluidic systems, where pneumatic micro-valves are already used. Only few structural modifications are needed to achieve droplet sorting capabilities in these systems. Due to the mechanical nature of diverting energy applied to droplets, the proposed sorting method may induce only minimal interference to biological species or microorganisms encapsulated inside the droplets that may accompany electrical, optical and magnetic-based techniques.
Examining the strength of state habitability laws across the United States of America

Creation and maintenance of habitable housing conditions can be a challenge, particularly when occupants do not have ownership or control of the housing unit or sufficient resources to address deficiencies. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and a descriptive analysis was performed on habitability laws enacted by the 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine variability in the strength of habitability laws and their potential to affect resident health. The systematic review stratified states according to first dates of adoption and last dates of annotations to habitability laws. The descriptive analysis referred to as the Habitability Element Rating Scale, scored and ranked states according to their basic level of consistency with the Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act (URLTA); weights were applied to reflect each element's potential to influence health and party responsibility. The review and analysis found substantial variation in habitability laws across states and indic...
Factors influencing when intensive care unit nurses go to the bedside to investigate patient related alarms: A descriptive qualitative study.

Abstract Objective This study examines what prompts the intensive care unit (ICU) nurse to go to the patient’s bedside to investigate an alarm and the influences on the nurse’s determination regarding how quickly this needs to occur. Method A qualitative descriptive design guided data collection and analysis. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis guided by the Patient Risk Detection Theoretical Framework was applied to the data. Setting Four specialty intensive care units in an academic medical center. Results ICU nurses go the patient’s bedside in response to an alarm to catch patient deterioration and avert harm. Their determination of the immediacy of patient risk and their desire to prioritize their bedside investigations to true alarms influences how quickly they proceed to the bedside. Conclusion Ready visual access to physiological data and waveform configurations, experience, teamwork, and false alarms are important determinants in the timing of ICU nurses’ bedside alarm investigations.
Extraintestinal Manifestations Are Common in Obese Patients with Crohn's Disease.

Introduction Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic condition associated with the risk of malabsorption. The incidence of obesity worldwide is increasing, and the effect of obesity on patients with CD is unknown. We aim to identify traits related to obesity in a cohort of patients with CD. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 209 adult patients with CD. Age, Montreal disease classification, sex, race, duration of disease, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels, physician global assessment, endoscopic appearance, histologic activity, medication use, and body mass index (BMI) were collected about each patient. Results The mean age was 43.4 ± 14.9 years; 68.9% were white, and 51.7% were male. The mean duration of disease was 11.0 ± 10.6 years. The mean BMI was 26.8 ± 5.7: underweight 7.7%; normal weight 29.3%; overweight 38.0%; and obese 25%. Patients with higher BMI were more likely to have extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) (P = 0.005) and more likely to have nonarthralgia extraintestinal manifestations (P = 0.047). There was a linear association between proximal CD and decreasing BMI (underweight 31.3%, normal weight 14.8%, overweight 15.0%, obese 7.7%; P = 0.046). There was no difference in BMI between patients with and without perianal disease (P = 0.216). Conclusions Most patients were overweight or obese, which correlates with national population trends. Our data suggest disease location plays a role in weight modulation in patients with CD. Increased extraintestinal manifestations in patients with high BMI suggests that the chronic inflammation associated with obesity may play a role in extraintestinal inflammation.
Using GPS-surveyed intertidal zones to determine the validity of shorelines automatically mapped by Landsat water indices

Abstract Satellite remote sensing has been used extensively in a variety of shoreline studies and validated using aerial photography. This ground truth method only represents an instantaneous depiction of the shoreline at the time of acquisition and does not take into account the spatial and temporal variability of the dynamic shoreline boundary. Landsat 8′s Operational Land Imager sensor's capability to accurately delineate a shoreline is assessed by comparing all known Landsat water index-derived shorelines with two GPS-surveyed intertidal zones that coincide with the satellite flyover date, one of which had near-neap tide conditions. Seven indices developed for automatically classifying water pixels were evaluated for their ability to delineate shorelines. The shoreline is described here as the area above and below maximum low and high tide, otherwise known as the intertidal zone. The high-water line, or wet/dry sediment line, was chosen as the shoreline indicator to be mapped using a handheld GPS. The proportion of the Landsat-derived shorelines that fell within this zone and their alongshore profile lengths were calculated. The most frequently used water index and the predecessor to Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), was found to be the least accurate by a significant margin. Other indices required calibration of their threshold value to achieve accurate results, thus diminishing their replicability success for other regions. MNDWI was determined to be the best index for automated shoreline mapping, based on its superior accuracy and repeatable, stable threshold value.
Predictors of serious morbidity and mortality after endovascular repair of aortoiliac lesions.

Abstract Background Endovascular approaches to aortoiliac disease are becoming increasingly frequent due to decreases in recovery time, bleeding, and discomfort. Despite this trend, little is known about the predictors of complications. This study was designed to identify risk factors for major 30-day morbidity and mortality after endovascular repair. Methods Data were derived from the 2015–2016 Participant User Files and Procedure Targeted databases of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Demographics and comorbidities of patients undergoing repair were assessed. Preoperative risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Twelve hundred and nine patients underwent endovascular aortoiliac repair, including 532 females (44.0%) and 677 males (56.0%). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.7%. Diabetes mellitus requiring medication, chronic steroid use, dialysis, pre-existing open wound, age, and low serum albumin and hematocrit increased mortality. After logistic regression, 30-day mortality was correlated with low serum albumin (survivors = 3.77, nonsurvivors = 2.60; P = .003) and chronic steroid use (P = .020). Multivariate analysis identified high preoperative white blood cell count as a risk factor for amputation. Diabetes, smoking history, and low serum sodium were risk factors for return to the operating room. Female sex and steroid use were risk factors for myocardial infarction and stroke. Open wounds and high platelets were risk factors for the need for an operative bypass after endovascular intervention. Preprocedural statin use was protective against need for a later operative bypass and reintervention. Conclusions Open wound, smoking, preprocedural steroid use, diabetes, female sex, high platelet and white blood cell count, and low serum albumin are the most strongly associated risk factors for adverse 30-day postoperative outcomes. Mortality rates remain low after endovascular aortoiliac revascularization.
POLARIZATION OF $lambda$$sup 0$ FROM PHOTOPRODUCTION IN HYDROGEN

BS>The reaction gamma + p -- K/sup +/ + LAMBDA /sup 0/ was analyzed for evidence of LAMBDA /sup 0/ polarization with respect to the production plane. The polarization is analyzed by means ot the asymmetric decay, LAMBDA /sup 0/ -- p + pi /sup -/. From the measurements, calculations were made which gave a maximum polarization equal to 0.53 at 32 deg . (B.O.G.)
Discrete Stochastic Models

In the last section of the previous chapter some elementary finite Markov chain theory was introduced. In this chapter we apply this theory to various Markov chain models which arise in genetics. We shall find that the complexities of these models are such that not all questions of genetical interest can in practice be answered by using Markov chain theory, and in the next two chapters we shall introduce diffusion theory to arrive at a more complete, although approximate, description of the properties of Markov chain models of interest in genetics.
Neurophysiology of Thermoregulation: Role of Hypothalamic Neuronal Networks

This paper reviews hypothalamic neuronal thermosensitivity. It concentrates on recent studies using extracellular and intracellular recording techniques. It examines three basic types of neurons in the rostral hypothalamus: 1) warm sensitive neurons that integrate local thermal information with peripheral inputs and endogenous factors; 2) cold sensitive neurons, many of which are synaptically driven by warm sensitive neurons; and 3) temperature insensitive neurons that form the mortar used to build local neuronal networks.
Individual – Organizational Bindpoints: A Design Theory for Bring-Your-Own-System

Individuals are autonomously designing, creating, and operating their own complex, idiosyncratic information systems. These systems are designed in an experiential and emergent way. Situations in which individuals connect to organizations establish binding, system-to-system interactions described here as a bindpoint. A bindpoint is a revised joint context created when two information systems connect. In order to accommodate individual information systems into the design of organizational user interaction, design principles for system-to-system interaction are required. Growing individual technological autonomy requires and creates dynamic bindpoints where formerly there were relatively static user endpoint interfaces across an air gap. Useful design principles for these bindpoints are needed to enable the organization to securely locate its enterprise system bindpoints in relation to the individual system endpoints. One promising approach is the use of a metalogic as a foundation for an explanatory design theory. This theory satisfies the conditions of emergent complexity created by bindpoints while serving requirements for security.
I Will Not Fail: How African American Preservice Teachers Succeed on Licensure Exams After Initially Failing

Research indicates that preservice teachers who pass professional readiness exams through multiple retakes are less likely to pass content area exams. This qualitative study focused on three Africa...
3D Culture Facilitates VEGF-Stimulated Endothelial Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

De novo vascularization of implantable tissue and whole organ constructs has been a significant challenge in the field of tissue engineering; the use of endothelial cell populations for this task is constrained by the cell population’s limited regeneration capacity and potential for loss of function. Thus, there is a need for a stem-cell population that may be induced into an endothelial cell phenotype reliably. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are multipotent cells that can be readily isolated from donor fat and may have the potential to be readily induced into endothelial cells. The ability to stimulate endothelial differentiation of these cells has been limited in standard 2D culture. We hypothesized that 3D culture would yield better differentiation. To study the influence of cell density and culture conditions on the potential of ADSCs to differentiate into an endothelial-like state, we seeded these cells types within a 3D cell-adhesive, proteolytically degradable, peptide-modified poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG) hydrogel. ADSCs were either cultured in basal media or pro-angiogenic media supplemented with 20 ng/mL of VEGF in 2D and then encapsulated at low or high densities within the PEG-based hydrogel. These encapsulated cells were maintained in either basal media or pro-angiogenic media. Cells were then isolated from the hydrogels and cultured in Matrigel to assess the potential for tubule formation. Our work shows that maintenance of ADSCs in a pro-angiogenic medium in 2D monoculture alone does not result in any CD31 expression. Furthermore, the level of CD31 expression was affected by the density of the cells encapsulated within the PEG-based hydrogel. Upon isolation of these cells, we found that these induced ADSCs were able to form tubules within Matrigel, indicative of endothelial function, while ADSCs cultured in basal medium could not. This finding points to the potential for this stem-cell population to serve as a safe and reliable source of endothelial cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine purposes.
Intraclass Correlations of Measured Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumes of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy-Treated High-Grade Gliomas

Background and objectives Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic option for the treatment of brain tumors. Previous studies have quantitatively followed the ablated volumes of high-grade gliomas. Reported treatment volumes range from 28% to 100%, with no reported interobserver analysis. Because these volumes are subjectively measured, it is necessary to establish concordance between clinicians. Study design/materials and methods Utilizing Brainlab tumor analysis software (Brainlab, Munich, Germany), five physician users traced out tumor volumes slice-by-slice on 10 treated tumors in eight patients. The participants were briefed with specific instructions and a demonstration on how to trace the enhancing borders of the tumor slice-by-slice. Volumes automatically calculated by the Brainlab software included preoperative, intraoperative ablation and postoperative enhancing volumes. Data regarding size, cystic appearance, pathology, previous surgery, and demographics were included. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative volumes was 0.92 (95% confidence interval, [CI] 0.81-0.97), 0.90 (0.77-0.96), and 0.89 (0.74-0.96), respectively. The overall ICC was 0.72 (0.50-0.87). ICC comparisons were also made for each pair of readers (neuroradiologist, neuro-oncologist, senior neurosurgery resident, neurosurgery junior resident) which resulted in pretreatment ICC scores of 0.97, 0.91, 0.66, 0.94; intratreatment scores of 0.97, 0.78, 0.90, 0.96; and posttreatment scores of 0.96, 0.81, 0.89, and 0.87. A Bland-Altman plot was also used to assess the differences in volumes. Conclusions The ICC gives a composite of the consistency of measurements made by multiple observers measuring the same quantity. The overall ICC of 0.72 means there is good correlation between observers in our study between measured volumes. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immortal Time Bias in National Cancer Database Studies

Purpose In studies evaluating the benefit of adjuvant therapies, immortal time bias (ITB) can affect the results by incorrectly reporting a survival advantage. It does so by including all deceased patients who may have been planned to receive adjuvant therapy within the observation cohort. Given the increase in National Cancer Database (NCDB) analyses evaluating postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) as an adjuvant therapy, we sought to examine how often such studies accounted and adjusted for ITB. Methods and Materials A systematic review was undertaken to search MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 2014 until May 2019 for NCDB studies evaluating PORT. After appropriate exclusion criteria were applied, 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts in which PORT was compared with postoperative observation or maintenance therapy were reviewed. The manuscripts were reviewed to evaluate whether ITB was accounted for, the method with which it was adjusted for, impact factor, year of publication, and whether PORT was beneficial. Results Of the 60 publications reviewed, 23 studies (38.3%) did not include an adjustment for ITB. Most studies that did adjust for ITB employed a single landmark (LM) time (n = 31), 4 used a sequential landmark analyses, and 2 used a time-dependent Cox model. In 23 of 31 studies (74.2%) that did adjust for ITB via a single LM time, the rationale behind why the specified LM time was chosen was not clearly explained. There was no relationship between adjusting for ITB and year of publication (P = .074) or whether the study was published in a high-impact journal (P = .55). Conclusions Studies assessing adjuvant radiation therapy by analyzing the NCDB are susceptible to ITB, which overestimates the effect size of adjuvant therapies and can provide misleading results. Adjusting for this bias is essential for accurate data representation and to better quantify the impact of adjuvant therapies such as PORT.
An integrated analytical and experimental study of contact acoustic nonlinearity at rough interfaces of fatigue cracks

Abstract This paper presents an analytical model that describes the relationship between interface stiffness and separation of rough interfaces such as fatigue cracks. The contact acoustic nonlinearity at the interface is simulated by a quasi-static model based on Hertzian contact theory. The model is validated using the results of dynamic acoustoelastic testing (DAET) with a Rayleigh wave probe on fatigue cracks in two aluminum alloy samples. One novel aspect of this work is that all the required geometrical parameters for the model are acquired directly from the aperture profile of real cracks extracted from their scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Also, the separation of the crack faces during dynamic perturbation is independently measured using a 3D laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). In addition, using DAET allows for an unprecedented direct comparison between experimental and analytical results. This is because unlike conventional nonlinear ultrasonic tests that are based on measuring the amplitude of higher harmonics, DAET outputs directly the strain-dependency of transmission and time delay of ultrasonic waves propagating across the interface. The model is found in good qualitative agreement with the experimental results, although the predictions tend to underestimate the variation of transmission coefficient and time delay. We conduct a sensitivity analysis to investigate the influence of different assumptions and simplifications on model predictions.
Perceived Concerns of Patients at Risk for Lower Extremity Amputation.

Despite a good understanding of risk factors for amputation and the development of multidisciplinary amputation prevention teams, thousands of lower limb amputations are performed on a daily basis. These amputations are often transformative events in the lives of patients with functional, psychological, social, and economic implications. Objective The objective of this investigation is to qualitatively and quantitatively explore the perceived concerns of patients with chronic wounds at risk for lower extremity amputation. Materials and methods A guided, physician-administered survey was completed by consenting participants. The survey consisted of both open-ended questions and a 10-point scale for specific questions on a variety of potential patient concerns. Results Although some questions resulted in relatively high and low mean scores, 9 of the 13 specific questions produced a range of responses on a 10-point modified Likert scale. This indicates that there are not necessarily universal patient concerns and that every patient is different and should be treated as such. With that being said, however, the highest levels of concern (mean measurements ≥ 7/10) had to do with recurrence, function, walking, and self-sufficiency. The lowest levels of concern (mean measurement ≤ 5/10) had to do with pain, shoe gear considerations, cost, and cosmetic appearance of an amputation. Conclusions It is the authors' hope that this investigation provides wound care professionals with information that will benefit their approach to the education and treatment of patients at risk for amputation as well as lead to future investigations into the emotional and psychological state of patients with chronic lower extremity wounds.
Workers’ physical activity data contribute to estimating maximal oxygen consumption: a questionnaire study to concurrently assess workers’ sedentary behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness

Sedentary behavior (SB) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are important issues in occupational health. Developing a questionnaire to concurrently assess workers’ SB and CRF could fundamentally improve epidemiological research. The Worker’s Living Activity-time Questionnaire (WLAQ) was developed previously to assess workers’ sitting time. WLAQ can be modified to evaluate workers’ CRF if additional physical activity (PA) data such as PA frequency, duration, and intensity are collected. A total of 198 working adults (93 women and 105 men; age, 30–60 years) completed anthropometric measurements, a treadmill exercise test for measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and modified WLAQ (m-WLAQ, which included questions about PA data additional to the original questions). Multiple regression analyses were performed to develop prediction equations for VO2max. The generated models were cross-validated using the predicted residual error sum of squares method. Among the participants, the data of 97 participants who completed m-WLAQ twice after a 1-week interval were used to calculate intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the test–retest reliability analyses. Age (r = − 0.29), sex (r = 0.48), body mass index (BMI, r = − 0.20), total sitting time (r = − 0.15), and PA score (total points for PA data, r = 0.47) were significantly correlated with VO2max. The models that included age, sex, and BMI accounted for 43% of the variance in measured VO2max [standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 5.04 ml·kg− 1·min− 1]. These percentages increased to 59% when the PA score was included in the models (SEE = 4.29 ml·kg− 1·min− 1). Cross-validation analyses demonstrated good stability of the VO2max prediction models, while systematic underestimation and overestimation of VO2max were observed in individuals with high and low fitness, respectively. The ICC of the PA score was 0.87 (0.82–0.91), indicating excellent reliability. The PA score obtained using m-WLAQ, rather than sitting time, correlated well with measured VO2max. The equation model that included the PA score as well as age, sex, and BMI had a favorable validity for estimating VO2max. Thus, m-WLAQ can be a useful questionnaire to concurrently assess workers’ SB and CRF, which makes it a reasonable resource for future epidemiological surveys on occupational health.
Cavernous malformation hemorrhage due to trans-mural pressure alterations after cerebrospinal fluid diversion: a case report

Cavernous malformations are rare cerebral pseudo-vascular lesions with annualized bleeding rates of 0.5–3% in most studies. Of the various explored risk factors for bleeding to date, only prior hemorrhage has shown significant correlation. In this case, we describe a 65-year old man with a peri-ventricular atrial cavernous malformation that hemorrhaged after CSF diversion via ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Serial imaging showed that bleeding continued until the shunt was revised with a programmable valve set at maximum resistance with the addition of a gravitational unit, thereby lowering the trans-mural pressure differential across the cavernous malformation. Given that other vascular lesions are subject to hemorrhage from alterations in trans-mural pressure dynamics, we hypothesize that cavernous malformations are similarly affected by trans-mural pressure gradients as they are composed of primitive vascular elements. This hypothesis is corroborated by the temporal correlation of interventions, imaging, and exam findings in the present case, and suggests a potentially important risk factor for hemorrhage in CM patients that affects prognostication and management.
Public Opinion, Crisis, and Vulnerable Populations: The Case of Title IX and COVID-19

A central function of democratic institutions is to protect vulnerable populations. The stability and success of these institutions depends, in part, on popular support. Times of crisis can introduce novel dynamics that alter popular support for protective institutions, particularly among those who do not benefit from those protections. We explore this possibility in the context of Title IX's gender equality requirements and infrastructure to address sexual harassment in college sports. We conduct a large survey of college student-athletes to study their attitudes on these issues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and concomitant financial challenges affecting college sports. We find that male student-athletes and those with sexist attitudes exhibit alarmingly low levels of support for ensuring the maintenance of equality and sexual harassment policy under Title IX during the COVID-19 crisis and eventual recovery. The results accentuate the vulnerability of certain populations during crises and the importance of maintaining strong institutional policy support during such times.
Evaluating Land Cover Change on the Island of Santa Cruz, Galapagos Archipelago of Ecuador Through Cloud-Gap Filling and Multi-sensor Analysis

Human migration and tourism in the Galapagos archipelago have rapidly increased since the 1980s. Accordingly, several Galapagos islands have experienced significant urban and agricultural development. Despite such dynamics, land cover map products currently available for the Galapagos Archipelago are limited in both spatial and temporal extents, mainly due to persistent cloud coverage for the area. This study characterizes approximately 20 years of land cover change on the Santa Cruz Island of the Galapagos archipelago through multi-sensor satellite data analyses using a rich Landsat archive as well as SPOT and Sentinel-2 imagery. To address the issue of satellite data availability in this cloud-prone region, this study examines two radiometric normalization and cloud gap-filling approaches on partially cloudy Landsat-7 SLC-off images. Compared to a commonly used Major Axis regression method, Random forest-based radiometric normalization shows superior performance in this complex tropical island setting, indicated by reduced differences of subject-reference image pairs and improved land cover mapping. Our land cover mapping focuses on characterizing urban and built-up, agriculture, and invasive plant species over time. Training data points are identified in the common ‘no-change’ areas for the years of 2000, 2009, and 2019, thus these data points could be used in all three image classification training processes. Overall accuracy for the 2019 land cover map (Landsat-8/Sentinel-2 derived) is 84% (Kappa = 0.81). For the study period, the total areas of invasive plant species substantially increased from 5.79 km2 to 19.16 km2. Distributions of urban and built-up and agriculture classes also slightly increased, suggesting an increased amount of direct human impacts on the island.
Angiopoietin-like protein 4(E40K) and ANGPTL4/8 complex have reduced, temperature-dependent LPL-inhibitory activity compared to ANGPTL4.

Abstract We previously demonstrated that angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) forms a localized complex with ANGPTL4 to reduce its lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-inhibitory activity and enable increased postprandial uptake of fatty acids (FA) into adipose tissue. Because prolonged cold exposure may increase adipose tissue FA uptake and decrease circulating triglycerides (TG) by reducing ANGPTL4 expression and inducing ANGPTL8 expression (and thus ANGPTL4/8 expression), we investigated the effect of temperature on ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL4/8 LPL-inhibitory activities in vitro. As the ANGPTL4(E40K) mutation results in decreased TG, we also characterized ANGPTL4(E40K) and ANGPTL4(E40K)/8 complex LPL-inhibitory activities. Interestingly, while ANGPTL3, ANGPTL3/8, and ANGPTL4 showed similar LPL inhibition at 37 °C and 22 °C, the already reduced LPL-inhibitory activity of ANGPTL4/8 at 37 °C was even more decreased at 22 °C. At 37 °C, ANGPTL4(E40K) manifested decreased LPL-inhibitory activity compared to ANGPTL4/8, while ANGPTL4(E40K)/8 had even further reduced potency. Remarkably, ANGPTL4/8, ANGPTL4(E40K), and ANGPTL4(E40K)/8 were each actually capable of stimulating LPL activity at 22 °C. Together, these results indicate that ANGPTL4/8 stimulation of LPL activity at low temperatures may represent an additional mechanism for further increasing adipose tissue FA uptake during cold exposure, beyond that already occurring due to decreased ANGPTL4 expression and increased ANGPTL8 expression. In addition, because ANGPTL4(E40K) has decreased LPL-inhibitory activity compared to ANGPTL4/8, our findings also suggest why ANGPTL4(E40K) carriers have decreased circulating TG levels.
Emtricitabine triphosphate in dried blood spots predicts future viremia in persons with HIV and identifies mismatch with self-reported adherence.

OBJECTIVE Emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC-TP) in dried blood spots (DBS), a measure of short-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, is associated with viral suppression in persons with HIV (PWH). However, its ability to predict future viremia remains unknown. DESIGN Prospective, observational cohort (up to three visits in 48 weeks). METHODS PWH receiving TDF/FTC-based ART had DBS and HIV viral load obtained at routine clinical visits. FTC-TP in DBS was dichotomized into quantifiable vs. below the limit of quantification (BLQ). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of future viremia (≥20 copies/ml at next study visit) was estimated according to FTC-TP at the current visit. To assess for possible interactions, additional models adjusted for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in DBS and 3-day self-reported adherence. RESULTS Data from 433 PWH (677 paired DBS/HIV viral load samples) were analyzed. The aOR [95% confidence interval (CI)] for future viremia for BLQ vs. quantifiable FTC-TP was 3.4 (1.8--6.5; P = 0.0002). This diminished after adjusting for TFV-DP [aOR 1.9 (0.9--4.1); P = 0.090]. Among PWH reporting 100% 3-day adherence, the odds of future viremia were 6.0 times higher [(1.8--20.3); P = 0.001] when FTC-TP was BLQ vs. quantifiable. Among participants (n = 75) reporting less than 100% adherence, BLQ FTC-TP in DBS was not predictive of future viremia [aOR 1.3 (0.4--4.6); P = 0.96]. CONCLUSION Nonquantifiable FTC-TP in DBS predicts future viremia and is particularly informative in PWH reporting perfect adherence. As point-of-care adherence measures become available, mismatches between objective and subjective measures, such as FTC-TP in DBS and self-report, could help clinicians identify individuals at an increased risk of future viremia.
Unit Gain Characteristic based Resonant frequency Tracking for DC Transformer Operation

Resonant frequency operation or DC transformer (DCX) operation is the optimal operation mode for LLC converter due to the reduction of both conduction loss and switching loss. However, due to the variation of circuit parameters, the switching frequency will deviate from the resonant frequency, which results in converter efficiency degradation. To achieve on-line automatic resonant frequency tracking, in this paper, by sensing the output voltage and input voltage, the conversion ratio is computed on-line. Based on the unit gain operation characteristic, the switching frequency is modified to track the resonant frequency. The proposed method can be applied to all LLC converter topologies and operating in both below frequency region and above frequency region. Comprehensive experimental results are presented.
Host gene expression in wildlife disease: making sense of species-level responses

Emerging infectious diseases are significant threats to wildlife conservation, yet the impacts of pathogen exposure and infection can vary widely among host species. As such, conservation biologists and disease ecologists have increasingly aimed to understand species-specific host susceptibility using molecular methods. In particular, comparative gene expression assays have been used to contrast the transcriptomic responses of disease-resistant and disease-susceptible hosts to pathogen exposure. This work usually assumes that the gene expression responses of disease-resistant species will reveal the activation of molecular pathways contributing to host defence. However, results often show that disease-resistant hosts undergo little gene expression change following pathogen challenge. Here, we discuss the mechanistic implications of these "null" findings and offer methodological suggestions for future molecular studies of wildlife disease. First, we highlight that muted transcriptomic responses with minimal immune system recruitment may indeed be protective for nonsusceptible hosts if they limit immunopathology and promote pathogen tolerance in systems where susceptible hosts suffer from genetic dysregulation. Second, we argue that overly narrow investigation of responses to pathogen exposure may overlook important, constitutively active molecular pathways that underlie species-specific defences. Finally, we outline alternative study designs and approaches that complement interspecific transcriptomic comparisons, including intraspecific gene expression studies and genomic methods to detect signatures of selection. Collectively, these insights will help ecologists extract maximal information from conservation-relevant transcriptomic data sets, leading to a deeper understanding of host defences and, ultimately, the implementation of successful conservation interventions.
Impact of COVID-19 Campus Closure on Undergraduates

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an abrupt transition from in-person to online learning in Spring 2020.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify the impact of the transition on ...
Nitrogen cycling during the Cretaceous, Cenomanian‐Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event II

Low δ15N values, ranging from +1.2‰ to −3.9‰, and atomic carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios of 25–50 are characteristic of “black shales” deposited during the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary interval and Oceanic Anoxic Event II (OAE II). An observed antithetic relationship between C/N ratios and δ15N could suggest a predominance of terrestrially derived organic matter or a diagenetic control on δ15N variability shifting bulk δ15N values lower. However, Hydrogen Indices (HI) generally >450, and a positive correlation of HI with C/N mitigates against a significant terrestrial organic matter fraction. High C/N values are likely the result preferential degradation of labile, N-rich compounds during early diagenesis and loss of N as ammonium from sediments through time. A hypothetical model that considers the degradation of a 15N-enriched labile protein fraction yields only small, 1–2‰ negative shifts in δ15N. However, 15N depletion during diagenesis is contrary to normal isotope kinetics which should result in 15N enrichment of bulk organic matter. Therefore we conclude that the bulk δ15N values in this study reflect primary changes in the nitrogen cycle. The δ15N data support the hypothesis of expanded nitrogen fixation driven by upwelling of nutrient-nitrogen poor, phosphorus replete waters during OAE II and from the mid-Cenomanian to Santonian at Demerara Rise. The low δ15N values, which are significantly lower than bulk δ15N values in modern regions where nitrogen fixation is known to be important, probably result from a more significant fraction of dissolved inorganic nitrogen being produced by nitrogen fixation. During the peak of OAE II a marked shift to lower δ15N values is observed. This shift possibly reflects greater utilization of 15N-depleted ammonium during a chemocline upward excursion (CUE). Dominance of low δ15N values from other periods of more widespread marine anoxia is likely the result of similar processes.
DFA State Minimization

By now you have probably come across several situations in which you have observed that some automaton could be simplified either by deleting states inaccessible from the start state or by collapsing states that were equivalent in some sense. For example, if you were to apply the subset construction to the NFA Open image in new window accepting the set of all strings containing the substring aba, you would obtain a DFA with 24 = 16 states. However, all except six of these states are inaccessible. Deleting them, you would obtain the DFA Open image in new window From left to right, the states of this DFA correspond to the subsets {s}, {s, t}, {s, u}, {s, t, v}, {s, u, v}, { s, v}.
Web-Driven Management Thinking: A Look at Business Process Redesign in the Age of the Web

Traditionally, management thinking has preceded and quite possibly driven the adoption and use of information technologies (IT) in organizations. That is, management schools (of thought) that emphasize certain types of work structures usually appear earlier than IT geared at supporting those work structures. This situation has undoubtedly changed recently, arguably around the mid-1990s, with the explosion in the commercial use of the Internet and particularly the Web. A first step towards a new management framework to help organizations benefit from modern Web-based IT is proposed and discussed in this paper. Our goal is to provide some basic elements that can be used by managers and researchers as a starting point for a broader management model. As such, we focus on a particular set of activities associated with team coordination and communication in production and service delivery business processes. Our framework is based on our experiences in 30 business process redesign projects conducted in partnership with 15 US organizations from 1997 to 2000.
An Interview with Paul Davidson

Paul Davidson, Holly Chair of Excellence at the University of Tennessee, has been a leader in heterodox economics for over 40 years. This interview considers how he came to be a heterodox economist, how Post Keynesian economics developed, and what his views on current issues are. The interview was conducted with Paul and his wife, Louise, at the University of Tennessee in his office in 1997.
Developing Mathematical Reasoning Using Attribute Games

he game of Set has proved to be a very popular game at our college mathematics club meetings. Since we started playing, the membership has grown every month. In fact, one of our members brought her six year-old son to a meeting, and he now looks forward to playing Set with us. As a result of playing the game in our club and thinking about the results, we created and solved a variety of mathematical ques tions. For example, we wondered about possible strategies for winning and conjectured about phe nomena that happened when playing. These ques tions involve a wide variety of traditional mathemat ical topics, including the multiplication principle, combinations and permutations, divisibility, modu lar arithmetic, and mathematical proof. In addition to encouraging the posing and solving of these problems in our mathematics club, we took the game and our questions into our classrooms to Any see what reasoning could be encouraged. We tested attribute our original questions on several groups of junior high and high school students and on several hun game can ?re? fresnman and sophomore college students who be Used to were not mathematics majors. Stimulate ^e PurP?se ?f this article is to describe students' investigative work that has resulted from playing logical get? in an attempt to show how such games can be reasoning used to develop mathematical reasoning. After describing the game, we pose and answer some of the questions that were solved by members of our club and by students ranging in academic level from ninth grade to college. We also describe how teachers can facilitate the development of reason ing by using this game. Although this article dis cusses problems that were generated from the game of Set, any attribute game can be used to stimulate logical thinking.