cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of a shrinking Arctic ice cover on marine primary production

[1] Loss of Arctic sea ice has accelerated recently, culminating in a 2007 summer minimum ice extent that was 23% below the previous low. To quantify the impact of this unprecedented loss of ice on marine primary production, we have coupled satellite-derived sea ice, SST, and chlorophyll to a primary production algorithm parameterized for Arctic waters. Annual primary production in the Arctic has increased yearly by an average of 27.5 Tg C yr−1 since 2003 and by 35 Tg C yr−1 between 2006 and 2007. 30% of this increase is attributable to decreased minimum summer ice extent and 70% to a longer phytoplankton growing season. Should these trends continue, additional loss of ice during Arctic spring could boost productivity >3-fold above 1998–2002 levels, potentially altering marine ecosystem structure and the degree of pelagic-benthic coupling. Changes in carbon export could in turn modify benthic denitrification on the vast continental shelves.
Response of a Reptile Guild to Forest Harvesting

Despite the growing concern over reptile population declines, the effects of modern industrial silviculture on reptiles have been understudied, particularly for diminutive and often overlooked species such as small-bodied snakes. We created 4 replicated forest-management landscapes to determine the response of small snakes to forest harvesting in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. We divided the replicated landscapes into 4 treatments that represented a range of disturbed habitats: clearcut with coarse woody debris removed; clearcut with coarse woody debris retained; thinned pine stand; and control (unharvested second-growth planted pines). Canopy cover and ground litter were significantly reduced in clearcuts, intermediate in thinned forests, and highest in unharvested controls. Bare soil, maximum air temperatures, and understory vegetation all increased with increasing habitat disturbance. Concomitantly, we observed significantly reduced relative abundance of all 6 study species (scarletsnake[Cemophora coccinea], ring-neck snake[Diadophis punctatus], scarlet kingsnake[Lampropeltis triangulum], red-bellied snake[Storeria occipitomaculata], southeastern crowned snake[Tantilla coronata], and smooth earthsnake[Virginia valeriae]) in clearcuts compared with unharvested or thinned pine stands. In contrast, the greatest relative snake abundance occurred in thinned forest stands. Our results demonstrate that at least one form of forest harvesting is compatible with maintaining snake populations. Our results also highlight the importance of open-canopy structure and ground litter to small snakes in southeastern forests and the negative consequences of forest clearcutting for small snakes.
TCA cycle kinetics in the rat heart by analysis of 13C isotopomers using indirect 1H[13C] detection

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that indirect1H[13C] detection of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates using heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation-total correlation spec...
Betwixt and Between Street and Prison Gangs: Defining Gangs and Structures in Youth Correctional Facilities

An invitation to examine the scope and nature of gang violence within California’s youth correctional facilities has afforded the opportunity to explore gang issues that have not yet been addressed within the Eurogang Research Program.1 Do the basic tenets of the Eurogang Research Program apply to correctional settings? Does the research design and instrumentation developed by Eurogang provide a good fit to this context? Do gangs that appear to thrive in correctional institutions fall within the purview of the Eurogang definition? Finally, scholars and corrections practitioners have drawn sharp distinctions between street gangs and prison gangs. Can the Eurogang methodological tools help to determine whether gangs active in youth institutions look different from street gangs and more like prison gangs? This chapter makes the case that the answer to each of these questions is a resounding “yes.”
Abstract 163: The Role of Genetic Variants in Arhgef11 via the Rho-rock Pathway on Kidney Injury in the Dahl S Rat

Hypertension plays an important role in the development of chronic kidney disease. The Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat is a widely studied model of salt-sensitive hypertension that develops concurrent kidney injury and progressive decline in kidney function. Genetic studies using the S rat, along with the kidney injury resistant, but hypertensive SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rat) have identified many genomic regions associated with kidney injury. Through positional cloning approaches, Arhgef11 , a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor has been identified as a strong candidate gene involved in the kidney injury. The S rat exhibits increased expression of Arhgef11 , up-regulation of Rho-ROCK pathway, and coding sequence variants that may alter protein function compared to the SHR. Inhibition of the Rho-ROCK pathway (using fasudil) in the S resulted in an attenuation of proteinuria, providing evidence the pathway could influence kidney injury. To better understand the role of Arhgef11 in the Rho-ROCK pathway, genetic knockdown in cell culture was achieved in HEK293 and NRK cell lines using lentiviral shRNA- Arhfgef11 constructs. Transduced cells achieved ∼70% knockdown of Arhgef11 protein. RhoA activity was significantly decreased ∼40% (p Arhgef11 , RhoA, ROCK1, MLC, Cofilin were all significantly down-regulated 40-65% in transduced HEK293 and NRK (p Arhgef11 in transduced cells showed a different cellular distribution and less stress fiber formation and elongation compared to control (2-fold reduction in length/width ratio, p Arhgef11 . Current studies are investigating the specific effect of the S or SHR Arhgef11 allele (using lentiviral overexpression) on the Rho-ROCK pathway and stress fiber formation. In summary, our promising data suggests that the biological and functional significance of genetic variants in Arhgef11 could be of major importance in development of kidney injury in the S rat.
Use of a Modified American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program to Enhance 30-Day Post-Trauma Readmission Detection

Background Traumatic injury remains the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a large economic burden. One fourth of annual Medicare expenditures result from readmissions, including trauma. The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS TQIP) has elevated care for >200 trauma programs worldwide. We use ACS TQIP, which does not include 30-day outcomes featured in the ACS NSQIP, affecting observed readmission rates. Study Design Trauma patients were subjected to the 30-day follow-up with the ACS NSQIP tools to assess readmission rates. The existing standard hospital and trauma registry data review was used to determine readmission, with the same group assessed for readmission using the information collected with the modified TQIP tools. All data collected via this method were patient reported and verified by review of records at our facility and via patient-authorized outside record review. Results Six hundred and ninety-eight consecutive patients were admitted to the trauma service during the study period and 378 (54.1%) were contacted by telephone for interview. Demographic characteristics were similar (p = NS). The readmission rate changed from 4.01% to 2.4% using the hospital and trauma registry subset (p = NS). Readmission rate by the modified TQIP method was 7.1% (p Conclusions We hypothesized that our observed and actual readmission rates differed. We discovered a significant difference in reported rates. Incorporating an NSQIP-like postdischarge feedback process can improve the accuracy of hospitals' readmission data and complication reporting, and thereby improve the value of the information TQIP uses as benchmarks.
Discussion on HPLC determination of related substances of drug substances for registration

This paper briefly several suggestions for durg quality control in drug registration and analyzed the prob- lems of HPLC determination of related substances in drug substance to report to a higher authority.
Toy programs: tools and projects for lego mindstorms: K-12 special session

Educators have been working for many years to teach basic programming concepts to a younger audience. Many of these efforts involve alternatives to traditional programming courses; for example, some alternatives make use of languages with a simpler syntax or special-purpose languages and software packages tailored for younger learners.
Reaction Time and Attention in Epilepsy

Reaction time, attention and impulsivity in 112 children with epilepsy (4.5-13 years) were studied using a computerized test at the Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Inkjet-printed paper/polymer-based RFID and Wireless Sensor Nodes: The final step to bridge cognitive intelligence, nanotechnology and RF?

In this talk, inkjet-printed flexible antennas, RF electronics and sensors fabricated on paper and other polymer (e.g. LCP)substrates are introduced as a system-level solution for ultra-low-cost mass production of UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags and Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSN) in an approach that could be easily extended to other microwave and wireless applications. The talk will cover examples from UHF up to the millimeter-wave frequency ranges. A compact inkjet-printed UHF "passive-RFID" antenna using the classic T-match approach and designed to match IC's complex impedance, is presented as a the first demonstrating prototype for this technology. Then, Prof. Tentzeris will briefly touch up the state-of-the-art area of fully-integrated wireless sensor modules on paper or flexible LCP and show the first ever 2D sensor integration with an RFID tag module on paper, as well as numerous 3D multilayer paper-based and LCP-based RF/microwave structures, that could potentially set the foundation for the truly convergent wireless sensor ad-hoc networks of the future with enhanced cognitive intelligence, anti-counterfeiting capabilities and "rugged" packaging. We will discuss issues concerning the power sources of "near-perpetual" RF modules, including flexible minaturized batteries as well as power-scavenging approaches involving thermal, EM, vibration and solar energy forms. The final step of the presentation will involve examples from wearable (e.g. biomonitoring) antennas and RF modules, as well as the first examples of the integration of inkjet-printed nanotechnology-based (e.g. CNT) sensors on paper and organic substrates. It has to be noted that the talk will review and present challenges for inkjet-printed organic active and nonlinear devices as well as future directions in the area of environmentally-friendly ("green") RF electronics and "smart-skin' conformal sensors
Analysis of Protective Behavior and Security Incidents for Home Computers

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes the factors that affect security protective behavior and perceived security incidents. Protective behavior is found to have a positive impact on the perceived security incidents, especially for the more educated home computer user. Human factors such as “perceived barriers” (to use new security software tools), “self-efficacy” (confidence), and “cues to action” (awareness) are found to influence both the protective behavior and perceived security incidents.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortic Root Morphology in Hispanic Patients.

BACKGROUND The study aim was to evaluate the aortic valve and aortic root morphology in Hispanic patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). BAV disease is one of the most common congenital anomaly of the heart, and is associated with abnormalities of the aorta. Interracial differences have been described between Caucasian and African-American patients with BAV, which may have clinical and therapeutic implications. The clinical and anatomical spectrum of BAV disease in Hispanic patients has not been well established. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of all heart operations performed at the authors' institution between April 2008 and June 2013. Patients with BAV who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) were identified. All echocardiograms available were reviewed in order to compare cusp morphology, valvular function, and ascending aorta dimensions between Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals. RESULTS A total of 291 patients (159 Hispanic, 132 non-Hispanic) with a mean age of 62 ± 13 years were identified. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. In both Hispanics and non-Hispanics, the most prevalent cusp morphology was fusion of the right and left coronary cusps (82% for both groups). The most common indication for surgery was aortic stenosis. Hispanic patients had a larger aortic annulus diameter (2.58 ± 0.32 cm versus 2.39 ± 0.39 cm, p = 0.04). However, this difference was not significant after adjusting for age, gender, body surface area, and the presence of moderate-to-severe aortic insufficiency. Ascending aortopathy was present in 42.7% of the total study population. Regardless of ethnicity, the most common pattern of aortopathy involved the tubular ascending aorta with mild to moderate root enlargement (type 1). CONCLUSIONS Compared with other ethnic groups, Hispanics with BAVs have similar aortic valve morphology and function, as well as comparable aortopathy.
Computer science program evaluation and curriculum assessment: panel discussion

Higher education institutions often require that academic departments conduct program assessments/reviews in order to evaluate the current status of the program and assess its effectiveness. The goals of program assessment vary from institution to institution, but the main objective is to improve the program.
Tax-Deductible Conservation Easements and the Essential Perpetuity Requirements

Property owners who make charitable gifts of perpetual conservation easements are eligible to claim federal charitable income tax deductions. Through this tax-incentive program the public is investing billions of dollars in easements encumbering millions of acres nationwide. In response to reports of abuse in the early 2000s, the Internal Revenue Service (Service) began auditing and litigating questionable easement donation transactions, and the resulting case law reveals significant failures to comply with the deduction’s requirements. Recently, the Service has come under fire for enforcing the deduction’s “perpetuity” requirements, which are intended to ensure that the easements will protect the subject properties’ conservation values in perpetuity and that the public’s investment in the easements will not be lost. Critics claim that the agency is improperly discouraging easement donations by denying deductions for technical foot faults, and some have called for a change to the law that would allow taxpayers to cure their failures to comply with the perpetuity requirements if they are discovered on audit. This Article illustrates that noncompliance with the perpetuity requirements should not be viewed as technical foot faults. To the contrary, compliance is essential to the integrity of the tax-incentive program and the easements subsidized through the program. In addition, allowing taxpayers to cure failures to comply with the perpetuity requirements if they are discovered on audit would significantly increase noncompliance and abuse and, given the reliance nationwide on deductible easements to accomplish conservation goals, risk fatally undermining an entire generation of conservation efforts. This Article recommends a more prudent approach: the Treasury’s issuance of guidance that would greatly facilitate compliance with the perpetuity requirements, reduce transaction costs for taxpayers, and significantly shore up the integrity of the program.
Analysis of DNA Replication in Fission Yeast by Combing

DNA replication studies based on population experiments give an average estimate of replication kinetics from many cells. This average replication profile masks the stochastic nature of origin firing in eukaryotes, which is revealed by using single-molecule techniques, such as DNA combing. The analysis of replication kinetics by DNA combing involves isolating DNA from cells that have been pulse-labeled with thymidine analogs and stretching it on a silanized coverslip. The analog-labeled patches on the stretched DNA fibers can then be detected using fluorescent antibodies against the analog. Each fiber represents a part of the genome from a single cell; therefore, it is possible to study the variation in behavior of individual origins from one cell to another. Furthermore, each DNA fiber is uniformly stretched, making it possible to measure distances accurately at kilobase resolution. It is also possible to stretch a high density of fibers on coverslips enabling quantitative data collection.
The Living Wage and the Effects of Real Minimum Wages on Part-Time and Teen Employment

In many parts of the country, campaigns are being carried out and laws are being passed whose aim is to establish, among other things, standards for contracting out public services and setting acceptable living wages that will provide employees decent living standards. Living wages have economic consequences on employment of different groups of workers such as part-time, teenagers, and women and detailed data are needed to measure those effects. In the absence of such data and because of the strong link between living and minimum wages, this study tests the potential impact of living wages by using the model of minimum wages. The study documents a negative and significant relationship between real minimum wages and the employment levels of the various groups. The study also recommends better training and education, free competition in the labor market, and fair compensation based on the workers productivity as justifiable means to achieve a sustainable level of living wages without causing an unemployment repercussion.
Oregon's Transportation and Land Use Model Integration Program: A retrospective

An ambitious and innovative integrated land use-transport modeling system has been developed in Oregon over the past two decades. This work, completed under the Transportation and Land Use Model Integration Program (TLUMIP), included the development of two generations of models and the data required to build and use them and spawned the development of two others that have continued independently. An outreach program and collaborative development of freight data and forecasts were also included, as well as system testing and applications. A brief description of the motivation behind TLUMIP and the resulting modeling systems are presented. Perhaps more interesting is the story behind the models, describing several major model design, institutional, and methodology issues that were overcome. Using an integrated model in practice also entailed addressing a wider range of analytical requirements and stakeholder expectations about usability, accuracy, and extensibility than typically considered in academic pursuits. The key lessons learned through development and use of the models are discussed, with the hope that they will inform the development of similar large-scale modeling systems.
Carbon Nanostructures Under the Electron Beam: Formation of New Structures and In-Situ Study of Radiation-Induced Processes

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) has been demonstrated to be a well-suited technique for characterizing and studying in-situ phenomena in materials at the nanometer scale, as proved by several demonstrations involving carbon nanotubes [1]. For example, the feasibility of confining different elements in the cavity of the nanotubes, like C60, gases and fluid systems, provides the opportunity of studying dynamically at the nanometer scale specific in-situ induced-processes like fullerene coalescence, local gas pressure increase and liquid/gas movement inside the nanotubes. In this chapter we will focus our attention on exploring recent results of TEM use, either in its High-Resolution mode (HRTEM) or in its scanning mode (STEM), as an active, dynamic probe station. The first part of the chapter reviews the electron irradiation studies carried out on carbon materials, like graphite and nanotubes. Then, several in-situ experiments like thermal annealing, electron beam irradiation and time resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy show the capacity of the TEM to create new carbon based nanostructures (for example, onion-like structures, CNx nano-islands etc. within C nanotubes) and nanowires, while simultaneously monitoring the processes. Finally, the efficiency of HRTEM dynamical studies for understanding the formation process of novel carbon nanostructures, for investigating dynamic phenomena such as the coalescence of SWNTs and for studying the dynamic aspect of fluid transport in the nanotubes will be discussed.
Mobile Health Technology Is Here-But Are Hospice Informal Caregivers Receptive?

Background:Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) represent a rapidly emerging technology that is being used to improve health-care delivery. In home hospice, informal caregivers play an essenti...
Physicians’ comfort levels with prescriptions for cancer comorbidities that they and other healthcare providers write.

e18523Background: As cancer survivorship increases, cancer is becoming a chronic condition, often accompanied by many comorbidities that complicate treatment management. The roles and shared respon...
Integrating Ecophysiological and Agent-Based Models to Simulate How Behavior Moderates Salamander Sensitivity to Climate

Developing rigorous ecological models is a fundamental goal of conservation biologists in order to forecast biotic responses to climate change. A limitation of many models is they are amechanistic and lack integration of behavior, which is fundamental to animal biology. We integrated biophysical and agent-based models (ABM) to examine how behavior could affect the sensitivity of Plethodontid salamander activity time to climate. Specifically, our model used a temperature differential to stimulate plant climbing, a widely observed behavior among salamanders, which would allow salamanders to reduce body temperatures and associated dehydration rates. Consistent with expectations, predicted activity time was positively correlated with precipitation. The model showed that climbing plants increased activity time in drier conditions, particularly for smaller salamanders. The predicted importance of climbing behavior, a form of behavioral plasticity, was highly sensitive to assumptions about the threshold of water loss an individual was willing to tolerate. Because activity time is associated with fitness, increased activity time as a consequence of climbing behavior could moderate salamander sensitivity to shifts in weather patterns. Our results demonstrate the potential and importance of integrating behaviors into ecophysiological models when evaluating a species’ potential sensitivity to climate.
Chronically Critically Ill with Technological Dependence

More and more children are surviving through PICU discharge. But discharge may be following a prolonged hospital course, and they may leave with a new slew of medical conditions, sometimes including dependence upon medical technology. This is the pediatric chronically critically ill child. While a definition of pediatric chronic critical illness (PCCI) is not clearly defined, the data supports that it is a cohort of patients that pediatric intensivists are increasingly manage. This chapter addresses the ethical issues that arise with pursuing life-saving measure that result in chronically critically illness, provision of appropriate resources for these conditions, in addition to ethical concerns regarding withdrawal of technological support.
Left ventricular assist devices and their complications: A review for emergency clinicians

Abstract Introduction End stage heart failure is associated with high mortality. However, recent developments such as the ventricular assist device (VAD) have improved patient outcomes, with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) most commonly implanted. Objective This narrative review evaluates LVAD epidemiology, indications, normal function and components, and the assessment and management of complications in the emergency department (ED). Discussion The LVAD is a life-saving device in patients with severe heart failure. While first generation devices provided pulsatile flow, current LVAD devices produce continuous flow. Normal components include the pump, inflow and outflow cannulas, driveline, and external controller. Complications related to the LVAD can be divided into those that are LVAD-specific and LVAD-associated, and many of these complications can result in severe patient morbidity and mortality. LVAD-specific complications include device malfunction/failure, pump thrombosis, and suction event, while LVAD-associated complications include bleeding, cerebrovascular event, infection, right ventricular failure, dysrhythmia, and aortic regurgitation. Assessment of LVAD function, patient perfusion, and mean arterial pressure is needed upon presentation. Electrocardiogram and bedside ultrasound are key evaluations in the ED. LVAD evaluation and management require a team-based approach, and consultation with the LVAD specialist is recommended. Conclusion Emergency clinician knowledge of LVAD function, components, and complications is integral in optimizing care of these patients.
Assessing a novel way to measure three common rehabilitation outcome measures using a custom mobile phone application.

Abstract Background Clinicians often use thirty-second-sit (chair)-to-stand (30CST), timed-up-and-go (TUG), and the five-times-sit-to-stand (5xSTS) since these outcome measures (OMs) are sensitive for strength, balance and mobility. Research Question: The purpose of this study was to validate a custom smart phone application (App) that can remotely assess the 30CST, TUG, and 5xSTS. Methods Thirty-one healthy adults (range: 22–55 y; 54.6–106.8 kg; 160–185 cm; 19 females) participated in this cross-sectional study. Each participant performed the 30CST, TUG, and 5xSTS at a slow and normal speed. They performed each OMs twice while the App collected their performance data using both an iOS and Android phone. The gold standard of each test was the average of the silent count of two investigators for the 30CST and the time recorded by two investigators using stopwatches for the TUG and 5xSTS. Investigators analyzed the data using Intraclass Correlation coefficients (ICC), Pearson R coefficients, Signed Rank Tests, and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Tests. Results and Significance A significant correlation was observed between the performances recorded by the phones and the direct observation gold standard for all three OMs (r > 0.97). For 30CST, no significant mean count differences were found for the following comparisons: between phones, within phone types, or within phone-by-speed levels. (P-values range 0.06–1.00). While a statistically significant difference was found in all of the time comparisons when performing TUG and 5xSTS (p
Influence of Cook Method and Degree of Doneness on Beef Flavor Attributes in Round Steaks

ObjectivesIt has been well established that cooking method, marbling level, and cooked internal temperature endpoint affect beef flavor, the most important driver of consumer acceptance. However, beef cuts respond differently to cooking method and cooked internal temperature endpoint based on their inherent chemical characteristics.Materials and MethodsTreatments were: beef cuts (inside round, bottom round, and eye of round); USDA beef quality grade (upper two-thirds Choice and Select); cooking methods (pan grill, stir fry, stew no marinade, stew marinade, and roast); and internal cook temperature endpoints (58, 70, and 80°C). The pan grill cook method included 0.25 and 0.75 in samples from each muscle type. The stir fry cook method treatment was limited to 0.25 in cuts, which were cut into 1.00 in strips prior to cooking. The marinated and non-marinated stew cook method treatments included 0.25 and 0.75 in samples from each muscle. These samples were then cut into 0.25 × 1.00 × 1.00 in and 0.75 × 1.00 × 1.00 in samples prior to cooking. Stew marinated samples were marinated with 118 mL water, 90 mL lemon juice, 30 mL canola oil, 5 mL salt, and 2.5 mL pepper. Two lb roasts were cut from bottom round and eye of round subprimals and inside round subprimals were cut into 2.00 in roasts prior to cooking. An expert descriptive beef flavor and texture attribute panel evaluated each sample using 16-point scales for flavor and texture attributes. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were determined. The trained panel results and WBSF values were analyzed using Proc Means and Proc GLMMIX procedures of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Cary, NC) with a predetermined α of 5%.ResultsQuality grade impacted flavor for the inside round (P < 0.05). USDA quality grade had minimal effect on tenderness as expected, as beef round cuts are highly active muscles in the animal and contain considerable amounts of connective tissue. Cooking method and internal cook temperature endpoint, or cooking time for the stewing cooking treatment, impacted beef flavor to a greater extent (P < 0.05). When pan fried, thicker cuts resulted in more positive flavor attributes. For cuts that were roasted, cooking to higher internal temperatures resulted in higher levels of beef identity, roasted, and umami flavors and less serumy/bloody flavors, as well as decreased tenderness (P < 0.0001), especially in inside round roasts. Marinated round cuts were more tender than their non-marinated counterparts (P < 0.0001). Cuts that were thinner and had longer cooking times were more tender but had more off-flavor attributes (P < 0.05).ConclusionCut thickness, cooking method, length of cooking or internal cook temperature endpoint, and presence of marinade affected flavor and texture of bottom round, eye of round, and inside round cuts. This data will be useful in providing consumer and food service personnel recommendation on how to maximize the flavor and texture of beef round cuts.
Thickness dependence of hydrogen-induced phase transition in MoTe 2

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) usually exist in two or more structural phases with different physical properties, and can be repeatedly switched between these phases via different stimuli, making them potentially useful for memory devices. An understanding of the physics of interfaces between the TMDs and conventional semiconductors, or other 2D crystals forming heterogenous or homogeneous assemblies, is central to their successful application in technologies. However, to date, most theoretical works have explored phase-change properties of isolated TMD monolayers in vacuum. Using ab initio calculations, we show how interfacial effects modify the thermodynamics and kinetics of the phase transition by studying hydrogen-induced transitions in monolayers and bilayers of ${\mathrm{MoTe}}_{2}$. The phase-change properties of ${\mathrm{MoTe}}_{2}$ show substantial thickness dependence, with the timescale for a transition in the hydrogenated bilayer being about ${10}^{7}$ times longer than that in a monolayer at room temperature. Our study highlights the importance of taking effects of immediate environment into account when predicting properties of 2D crystals.
The Paris System “Atypical Urothelial Cells” Category: Can The Current Criteria Be Improved?

Introduction The Paris System (TPS) for reporting urine cytology was developed for standardization of diagnosis focusing on the detection of high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). Probably the most challenging task for TPS is to provide criteria for the atypical urothelial cell (AUC) category. The TPS criteria for AUC include increased nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio (>0.5) and 1 of the 3 minor criteria including nuclear hyperchromasia (NH), coarse chromatin (CC) and irregular nuclear membrane (INM). We evaluated TPS-AUC diagnostic value and investigated whether other morphologic parameters can improve its criteria. Materials and methods Urine samples with diagnoses of AUC collected during a 6-month period were re-reviewed. Data captured included N/C ratio >0.5, NH, CC, INM, and 2 additional criteria including enlarged nuclear size (ENS) and the presence of nucleolus (N). ENS was considered when the nucleus was 2 times larger than the urothelial cell or 3 times larger than lymphocyte. Results By applying the TPS-AUC criteria, the rate of atypia diagnosis reduced in comparison to Pre-TPS (9% versus 13%, P = 0.02). Among the AUC minor criteria, NH was the best criterion with the highest interobserver agreement (IOA) and correlation with HGUC (k = 0.342, r = 0.61, P Conclusion TPS improves the diagnostic value of urine cytology, particularly in cases with atypia. ENS is a strong criterion for increasing the diagnostic value of AUC and potentially can improve TPS performance as a minor criterion.
The Race to the Bottom: Wisconsin's Long-Term Trends in Health Rankings.

Background Wisconsin's health ranking dropped from 7th healthiest in 1990 to 23rd in 2018. The purpose of this paper is to identify the contributory factors to this decline. Methods Trends in Wisconsin's health rank for 1990 to 2018 were compared overall and for only identical measures used in both years. Results Of the identical measures used in both years (n=10), the median rank declined from 8.5 (range 6-21) in 1990 to 19 (range 9-43) in 2018, with the greatest declines for infectious diseases, infant mortality, and smoking. The ranks were lower in 2018 for the similar measures used and for measures used only in 2018 compared to measures used only in 1990. Discussion Wisconsin's drop in health ranking is real and calls for action to address the root causes.
One step forward, two steps back

In Short Circuiting Policy, a timely political ethnography of U.S. energy policy, Leah Cardamore Stokes argues that clean energy programs initially gained traction as potential opportunities to create green jobs and reduce carbon footprints but then waned, even as the economics increasingly favored their success. Focusing on state-level politics, Stokes carefully lays out how Arizona, Kansas, Texas, and Ohio struggled to contain the power of the fossil fuel and electric utilities industries and, in doing so, failed to sustain a clean energy trajectory.
Hysteretic Error Extraction in Multi-Level Wireline Receivers

A wireline receiver complexity reduction approach achieved by using hysteretic extraction of the error for phase detection is presented in this paper. The approach is based on the utilization of the data slicers intended for speculative level detection to perform a hysteretic estimation of the error signal. Simulation results showed better jitter tolerance and better eye margin for the proposed hysteretic receiver compared to prior approaches for low loss channels, while reducing the complexity by 64%.
Improving Hand Washing Practices Using Age Appropriate Hand Washing Platforms in Schools and Communities

Hand washing is the practice which can save us from a vast spectrum of communicable diseases. The primary schools toilets and community toilets usually have wash basins or platforms built at a particular height. It has been observed that due to the height of these wash basins; it becomes unapproachable for small children. Also, limited numbers of taps discourage children from practising hand washing. Keeping these factors in view and to promote the practice of hand washing among school children, Save the children has come up with a unique design of three stage hand washing platforms. The design of the platform is child friendly and allows children of every age group to wash their hands comfortably irrespective of their height.
Characterization of Morphologic and Cytochemical Staining Properties of Exogenous Materials Mimicking Fungal Organisms Encountered in Skin Biopsies.

Background Exogenous materials may be encountered in skin biopsies as contamination. Contamination may occur during the biopsy procedure in the clinic or during tissue processing in the laboratory. Although the experienced pathologist may often instinctively ignore clear examples of contamination, such tissue may be a source of confusion for young pathologists and those in training. Foreign materials can typically be recognized as exogenous by morphology, polarizability, and the presence or absence of a tissue reaction, but we have rarely encountered situations in which exogenous materials could be misinterpreted as organisms, either by their morphologic appearance or staining properties. Methods Exogenous materials used during skin biopsy and grossing were embedded in a nonhuman tissue scaffold and prepared into histologic slides. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff with diastase, and Grocott methenamine silver stains were performed, and each material was evaluated under polarized microscopy. Results Exogenous materials were divided into the following 3 categories with shared morphologic appearances and staining properties: suture materials, plant-based materials, and synthetic materials. Conclusion We present a comprehensive characterization of the morphologic and cytochemical staining properties of multiple exogenous materials that may contaminate a skin biopsy. This characterization will aid the pathologist by providing a mechanism to identify potential contaminants in skin biopsies.
Neuropeptide Y Reduces Nasal Epithelial T2R Bitter Taste Receptor-Stimulated Nitric Oxide Production.

Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed on the tongue but also in various locations throughout the body, including on motile cilia within the upper and lower airways. Within the nasal airway, T2Rs detect secreted bacterial ligands and initiate bactericidal nitric oxide (NO) responses, which also increase ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and mucociliary clearance of pathogens. Various neuropeptides, including neuropeptide tyrosine (neuropeptide Y or NPY), control physiological processes in the airway including cytokine release, fluid secretion, and ciliary beating. NPY levels and/or density of NPYergic neurons may be increased in some sinonasal diseases. We hypothesized that NPY modulates cilia-localized T2R responses in nasal epithelia. Using primary sinonasal epithelial cells cultured at air–liquid interface (ALI), we demonstrate that NPY reduces CBF through NPY2R activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and attenuates responses to T2R14 agonist apigenin. We find that NPY does not alter T2R-induced calcium elevation but does reduce T2R-stimulated NO production via a PKC-dependent process. This study extends our understanding of how T2R responses are modulated within the inflammatory environment of sinonasal diseases, which may improve our ability to effectively treat these disorders.
Modeling the relative influence of environmental controls on marine terrace widths

Abstract Improved understanding of marine terrace development and morphology can provide better estimates of historical sea levels and tectonic uplift rates. Using a numerical model, this study explored the relative influence of environmental controls on late Pleistocene marine terrace widths on San Clemente Island (SCI) and in the Santa Cruz region (SCZ) in southern and central California, respectively. The model was calibrated/validated based on SCI and SCZ terrace observations using digital elevation models (DEMs), modeled nearshore wave climate, as well as data from existing SCI and SCZ marine terrace studies. In total, 648 simulations were conducted considering a range of wave height decay rates, rock resistance, initial topographic slope, and tectonic uplift rates. The model outcomes were generally consistent qualitatively with observations of SCI and SCZ terrace widths from published work and the DEMs presented here. Modeled terrace widths increased with decreasing topographic slope and increasing tectonic uplift rates; terrace widths were less well correlated with variations in wave and rock strength parameters in this study. Overall, the results suggest that topographic slope and tectonic uplift rates influence terrace widths more than wave- and rock-related properties. Some of the model assumptions and modeling outcomes contrast with existing rock coast and marine terrace studies, and additional research is necessary.
PIC-based Binary-Weighting Parallel Digital-to-Analog Converter

Here, we introduce a novel parallel binary-weighed digital-to-analog converter on a silicon photonic integrated platform with a sample efficiency exceeding 120 G-samples per second. And an about 1 square millimeter footprint.
Positive Youth Development in Jamaica: Latent Growth of Self-Efficacy and Youth Assets

International contexts for Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs are often aimed at youth who face economic disadvantages, especially in developing countries. Little is known about the developmental trajectories of youth referred to as NEET (Not active in Education, Employment, or Training opportunities). In the present chapter, we examine latent growth trajectories of career decision self-efficacy and youth assets among NEET youth in Jamaica from a longitudinal field trial (N = 1069) with a treatment group that participated in the National Youth Service Corps program, a randomly assigned control group, and a non-equivalent comparison group representing the lower stratum of NEET youth in Jamaica. The latent growth models examined suggested that PYD programs produced improved change over time on career decision self-efficacy and youth assets relative to a matched comparison group. However, the trajectory of NEET youth possessing few basic skills represents a challenge for future conceptualizations of PYD programs in developing nations.
Combined Modalities for the Correction of Asymmetric Brow Position

The surgical correction of asymmetric brow position can prove to be a challenge for the cosmetic oculoplastic surgeon. The ideal surgical approach would result in an improvement of the asymmetric brow position through a minimal incision with an emphasis on limited recovery time for the patient.
Algorithm choice for (partial) autocorrelation functions

Different methods for calculating partial autocorrelation coefficients can produce different estimates, and these differences can be non-trivial. It has long been known that the Yule-Walker equations are particularly susceptible to numerical error, yet it is the most widely used method in statistical and econometric software. Two other methods, conditional maximum likelihood and Burg’s algorithm are known to be more reliable, yet are infrequently used. All three methods are applied to several datasets. A forecasting example shows that a model identified by Yule-Walker can produce inferior forecasts.
Dynamics and regulation of the southern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) population in an Appalachian stream.

SUMMARY 1. We used information theoretic statistics [Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC)] and regression analysis in a multiple hypothesis testing approach to assess the processes capable of explaining long-term demographic variation in a lightly exploited brook trout population in Ball Creek, NC. We sampled a 100-m-long second-order site during both spring and autumn 1991–2004, using three-pass electrofishing. 2. Principle component analysis indicated that the site had lower average velocity, greater amounts of depositional substrata and lower amount of erosional substrata during the 1999–2002 drought than in non-drought years. In addition, drought years had lower flows, and lower variation in flows, than non-drought years. 3. Both young-of-the-year (YOY) and adult densities varied by an order of magnitude during the study. AIC analysis conducted on regressions of per capita rate of increase versus various population and habitat parameters for the population, adults and YOY, for both spring and autumn data sets, indicated that simple density dependence almost always was the only interpretable model with Akaike weights (wi) ranging from 0.262 to 0.836. 4. Growth analyses yielded more variable results, with simple density dependence being the only interpretable model for both adult spring data (wi = 0.999) and YOY autumn data (wi = 0.905), and positive density dependence (wi = 0.636) and simple density independence (wi = 0.241) representing interpretable models for spring YOY data. 5. We detected a significant stock–recruitment relationship between both spring and autumn densities of adults in year t and autumn YOY density in year t + 1. Finally, spring YOY density was positively correlated with both autumn YOY density and spring mean YOY standard length (SL), suggesting that processes affecting recruitment show residual effects at least in the first year of life. This population appears to be regulated primarily by densitydependent processes, although high flows also negatively affected mean SLs of YOY.
Treatment of hypertension with bretylium tosylate: A selective sympathetic inhibitor∗

Abstract Results of treatment of 27 hypertensive patients with bretylium tosylate, a new drug which selectively inhibits the sympathetic nervous system, indicate that this is an effective and useful hypotensive agent only if it is combined with other hypotensive drugs, especially diuretics for oral administration. Combination therapy permitted better control of the blood pressure with smaller doses of bretylium and prevented development of tolerance to bretylium that was observed in many cases when this agent was used alone. If bretylium becomes available in this country, its use can be recommended for treatment of patients with mild to moderate hypertension whose blood pressure does not respond satisfactorily to combination therapy with an oral diuretic and hydralazine or who cannot tolerate hydralazine. It should always be given in conjunction with a diuretic for oral administration. When hypertension is severe, guanethidine is the agent of choice because it is more potent than bretylium.
Global Pattern Search at Scale

In recent years, data collection has far outpaced the tools for data analysis in the area of non-traditional GEOINT analysis. Traditional tools are designed to analyze small-scale numerical data, but there are few good interactive tools for processing large amounts of unstructured data such as raw text. In addition to the complexities of data processing, presenting the data in a way that is meaningful to the end user poses another challenge. In our work, we focused on analyzing a corpus of 35,000 news articles and creating an interactive geovisualization tool to reveal patterns to human analysts. Our comprehensive tool, Global Pattern Search at Scale (GPSS), addresses three major problems in data analysis: free text analysis, high volumes of data, and interactive visualization. GPSS uses an Accumulo database for high-volume data storage, and a matrix of word counts and event detection algorithms to process the free text. For visualization, the tool displays an interactive web application to the user, featuring a map overlaid with document clusters and events, search and filtering options, a timeline, and a word cloud. In addition, the GPSS tool can be easily adapted to process and understand other large free-text datasets.
BehaviorSim: A Learning Environment for Behavior-Based Agent

Behavior-based control is one of the fundamental control paradigms for autonomous agents to achieve adaptive behavior in a dynamical environment. Existing work has mainly focused on the research aspect rather than on the learning and educational aspect. This paper presents an effort to develop a learning environment for behavior-based agents. It allows educators and students to develop and exercise behavior-based control by setting up entities, behaviors, and behavior networks without involving significant programming effort. Specification of behavior-based agent system is presented and demonstrative examples are provided.