cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Context matters: measuring implementation climate among individuals and groups

It has been noted that implementation climate is positively associated with implementation effectiveness. However, issues surrounding the measurement of implementation climate, or the extent to which organizational members perceive that innovation use is expected, supported and rewarded by their organization remain. Specifically, it is unclear whether implementation climate can be measured as a global construct, whether individual or group-referenced items should be used, and whether implementation climate can be assessed at the group or organizational level. This research includes two cross-sectional studies with data collected via surveys at the individual level. The first study assessed the implementation climate perceptions of physicians participating in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), and the second study assessed the perceptions of children’s behavioral health clinicians implementing a treatment innovation. To address if implementation climate is a global construct, we used confirmatory factor analysis. To address how implementation climate should be measured and at what level, we followed a five-step framework outlined by van Mierlo and colleagues. This framework includes exploratory factor analysis and correlations to assess differences between individual and group-referenced items and intraclass correlations, interrater agreements, and exploratory factor analysis to determine if implementation climate can be assessed at the organizational level. The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that implementation climate is a global construct consisting of items related to expectations, support and rewards. There are mixed results, however, as to whether implementation climate should be measured using individual or group-referenced items. In our first study, where physicians were geographically dispersed and practice independently, there were no differences based on the type of items used, and implementation climate was an individual level construct. However, in the second study, in which clinicians practice in a central location and interact more frequently, group-referenced items may be appropriate. In addition, implementation climate could be considered an organizational level construct. The results are context-specific. Researchers should carefully consider the study setting when measuring implementation climate. In addition, more opportunities are needed to validate this measure and understand how well it predicts and explains implementation effectiveness.
Advanced interconnect systems for ULSI technology

In high performance ULSI circuits new integration architectures and new materials are required for on-chip interconnect to provide advantages in performance, reliability, and manufacturing cost. Dual damascene interconnect integration architecture not only offer process simplification and low cost, but also enables the use of new metals such as Cu in interconnect. Cu metallization provides higher conductivity and better reliability to interconnects. Use of low dielectric constant (low-k) materials in dual damascene architecture is challenging due to material and processing issues. In this paper, achievements in advanced interconnect systems of low-k dielectric and dual damascene architecture for both Al and Cu metallization are reviewed and discussed.
Class II malocclusion: The aftermath of a “perfect storm”

To characterize the relative contribution of skeletal growth and tooth movement to occlusal development. Longitudinal cephalograms were obtained for 39 untreated subjects between 5 and 16 years of age. The sample was divided into three terminal-plane groups: mesial step, flush terminal plane, and distal step. Based on their final occlusion, the flush group (24 of the 39 patients) was sub-divided into three sub-groups: Class I, end-to-end, and Class II. Regional superimposition was used to measure yearly increments of skeletal and dental change. The mesial- and distal-step groups tended to maintain their initial Class I or Class II molar relationships. In the three flush-terminal-plane sub-groups, occlusal progression could be explained by neither an early nor a late mesial shift, both of which featured more upper molar movement than lower. Instead, the groups differed in terms of the timing of the mandibular excess and mesial movement of the upper molars. Mandibular excess and mesial movement of the maxillary molars seems to be the most significant determinants of occlusal development in flush-terminal-plane subjects. The present data argue that the strategy of holding lower leeway space and "distalizing" the upper molars is a rational early-treatment strategy.
Fine‐scale local adaptation in life histories along a continuous environmental gradient in Trinidadian guppies

Summary 1. Theoretical models of life-history evolution predict a continuum of fast to slow life histories, yet most of empirical support for this theory comes from studies that have considered dichotomous environments (i.e. high vs. low food, presence or absence of major predators). Although this approach has been very successful in identifying the signature of local adaptation, it might limit our ability to identify the causes of underlying patterns of phenotypic variation. By studying the variation in life-history traits along continuous gradients, we can gain better insight into the diversity of adaptations exhibited by natural populations. 2. We studied the evolution of life-history traits along a gradient of predation pressure in the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Six localities along the Guanapo–Caroni River drainage were selected with respect to their predator community, going from upstream localities where guppies only coexist with a single gape-limited fish predator, to lowland sites where guppies coexist with a complex fish community. Along this gradient, we characterized the field pattern of phenotypic variation in age and size at maturity and reproductive effort. Further, to determine the genetic basis of this variation, we measured these traits in second-generation laboratory-born fish from the same localities sampled in the wild. 3. In nature, we found a fine-scale pattern of phenotypic variation in most life-history traits that paralleled the continuous predation gradient. In the laboratory, we observed that reproductive allocation and brood size progressively decrease while age at maturity and interbrood interval progressively increase with a reduction in the predator community, suggesting a genetic basis to the parallel patterns observed in the field for reproductive allocation and offspring number. 4. However, there were some exceptions to the observed pattern of variation. Females from one low-predation locality matured younger and reproduced more frequently than expected based upon the simple nature of the fish community. We also found significant differences between our field and laboratory results for embryo size, suggesting that this trait is highly plastic. 5. Our results imply that local adaptation in guppies occurs at a finer scale than has previously been shown. Furthermore, while our results are consistent with predator-driven life-history variation, we also find patterns of plasticity that would not be apparent in the traditional dichotomous approach.
Integrating Multimedia into Autism Intervention

Multimedia-based instruction (MBI) has been playing an increasingly important role in interventions to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) initiate conversations, improve "play" skills, and practice social conventions. However, it's important for MBI apps to integrate and enhance established evidence-based approaches. With the support of the National Science Foundation, researchers at the University of Kentucky have started a program to integrate novel multimedia technologies into evidence-based interventions. This summary of the methods and tools they've studied the past few years reviews some of the important lessons learned.
Engineered nanostructures for multifunctional single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced silicon nitride nanocomposites

Colloidal processing was used to make highly dispersed aqueous composite suspensions containing single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and Si3N4 particles. The SWNTs and Si3N4 particles were stabilized into composite suspensions using a cationic surfactant at low pH values. Bulk nanocomposites containing 1.0, 2.0, and 6.0 vol% SWNTs were successfully fabricated using rapid prototyping. The survival of SWNTs was detected, using Raman spectroscopy, after high-temperature sintering, up to 1800°C. The nanocomposites have densities up to 97% of the composite theoretical density. The engineered nanostructures reveal an increase in grindability and damage tolerance behavior over the monolithic ceramic. We also observed toughening mechanisms such as SWNT crack bridging and pull-out, indicating that SWNTs have the potential to serve as toughening agents in ceramics. Increased fracture toughness values over the monolithic Si3N4 were observed for the 2.0-vol% SWNT–Si3N4 nanocomposite when a given sintered microstructure was present. We report here the effects of colloidal processing on mechanical behavior of SWNT reinforced nonoxide ceramic nanocomposites.
Combining peak oxygen consumption and ventilatory efficiency in the prognostic assessment of patients with heart failure

Exercise ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2) are strong mortality predictors in patients with heart failure and we combined these 2 variables’ beta coefficients from Cox regression to investigate a new prognostic index. Average followup was 3.8±1.8 years for 355 patients (72% male, 51±10 years). The beta coefficients from peak VO2 (17.3±5.0 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ) and VE/ VCO2 slope (37.0±9.0) constructed an exercise index defined as one half the peak VO2 subtracted from one fifth of the VE/VCO2 slope. The mean index was −1.14±3.79 and a more positive index was always associated with a higher probability of death. Patients with extremely poor prognoses were identified equally well by the index and by individual thresholds for peak VO2 (b14 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ) and of VE/VCO2 slope (N40). In conclusion, the index did not add additional prognostic information in this cohort but it did display the prognostic superiority of VE/VCO2 slope. © 2007 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Soft-collinear mode for jet cross sections in soft collinear effective theory

We propose the addition of a new ``soft-collinear'' mode to soft collinear effective theory (SCET) below the usual soft scale to factorize and resum logarithms of jet radii $R$ in jet cross sections. We consider exclusive 2-jet cross sections in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collisions with an energy veto $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ on additional jets. The key observation is that there are actually two pairs of energy scales whose ratio is $R$: the transverse momentum $QR$ of the energetic particles inside jets and their total energy $Q$, and the transverse momentum $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}R$ of soft particles that are cut out of the jet cones and their energy $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$. The soft-collinear mode is necessary to factorize and resum logarithms of the latter hierarchy. We show how this factorization occurs in the jet thrust cross section for cone and ${k}_{T}$-type algorithms at $\mathcal{O}({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s})$ and using the thrust cone algorithm at $\mathcal{O}({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}^{2})$. We identify the presence of hard-collinear, in-jet soft, global (veto) soft, and soft-collinear modes in the jet thrust cross section. We also observe here that the in-jet soft modes measured with thrust are actually the ``csoft'' modes of the theory ${\mathrm{SCET}}_{+}$. We dub the new theory with both csoft and soft-collinear modes ``${\mathrm{SCET}}_{++}$.'' We go on to explain the relation between the ``unmeasured'' jet function appearing in total exclusive jet cross sections and the hard-collinear and csoft functions in measured jet thrust cross sections. We do not resum logs that are nonglobal in origin, arising from the ratio of the scales of soft radiation whose thrust is measured at $Q\ensuremath{\tau}/R$ and of the soft-collinear radiation at $2\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}R$. Their resummation would require the introduction of additional operators beyond those we consider here. The steps we outline here are a necessary part of summing logs of $R$ that are global in nature and have not been factorized and resummed beyond leading-log level previously.
Modeling the Cholesky factors of covariance matrices of multivariate longitudinal data

Modeling the covariance matrix of multivariate longitudinal data is more challenging as compared to its univariate counterpart due to the presence of correlations among multiple responses. The modified Cholesky block decomposition reduces the task of covariance modeling into parsimonious modeling of its two matrix factors: the regression coefficient matrices and the innovation covariance matrices. These parameters are statistically interpretable, however ensuring positive-definiteness of several (innovation) covariance matrices presents itself as a new challenge. We address this problem using a subclass of Anderson's (1973) linear covariance models and model several covariance matrices using linear combinations of known positive-definite basis matrices with unknown non-negative scalar coefficients. A novelty of this approach is that positive-definiteness is guaranteed by construction; it removes a drawback of Anderson's model and hence makes linear covariance models more realistic and viable in practice. Maximum likelihood estimates are computed using a simple iterative majorization-minimization algorithm. The estimators are shown to be asymptotically normal and consistent. Simulation and a data example illustrate the applicability of the proposed method in providing good models for the covariance structure of a multivariate longitudinal data.
The natural and human structuring of rivers and other geomorphological systems: A tribute to William L. Graf

This special issue honors the contributions of William L. Graf to geomorphology and river science. A hallmark of Will's work over the course of his career has been a focus on the natural and human structuring of river systems. More broadly, Will has been an innovator and leader who has shaped the way in which geomorphologists conduct research. Through his work, he has made fundamental contributions to basic fluvial theory, to the understanding of human impacts on river systems, and to policy-relevant science. He has demonstrated by example how to pursue policy-relevant science and to participate in science-based policy formulation. His contributions to river science can be classified into several themes: (1) the hydrology and geomorphology of suburban drainage systems, (2) riparian vegetation and river systems, (3) the spatial structure and dynamics of incised channels, (4) the dynamics of dryland river systems, (5) heavy metals in river systems, (6) dams and dam removal, and (7) water and public policy. The papers in this special issue reflect many aspects of these themes and address topics related to (1) the understanding of rivers and other geomorphic systems in the midst of dynamic physical change, (2) human influences on geomorphic processes, (3) the intersection of geomorphology and public policy, and (4) the fusion of geomorphic analysis and GIScience.
Faraday Rotation Spectroscopic sensing of oxygen using static magnetic fields and balanced photodetection

We describe the development of a Faraday Rotation Spectroscopic trace-gas sensor for quantification of molecular oxygen. Static magnetic field and balanced detection of polarization rotation is proposed for high precision and ultra-low power operation.
Cultivating Community Collaboration and Community Health Through Community Gardens

It takes commitment, innovation, and action from various sectors of the community to champion changes that ultimately build healthy communities. This study sought to identify the perceived benefits of community gardens to organizations, garden volunteers, and populations served. Researchers explored how a local coalition assists organizations in using community gardens as a strategy to build social capital and foster community health and community collaborations. A mixed-method approach was utilized that included site-visits and a web-based postsurvey. The results support community gardens as a strategy to create sustainable positive change in the community by building social capital and fostering community health through collaboration.
Extrapolation of airplane states

Methods for predicting six degree of freedom airplane states that exploit coordinated flight and other airplane specific assumptions are derived and applied. They include: (1) Extraction of orientation from trajectory with angle of attack correction. (2) Closed form trajectory extrapolation based on constant longitudinal and transverse acceleration. (3) "Phugoid scheme" for six degrees of freedom extrapolation a t constant angle of attack in coordinated flight. The new methods prove significantly more accurate than generic second order position, first order orientation methods.
Transient Forcing of a Free Shear Layer: Simulations

This paper presents a computational study of the shear layer behind a two-dimensional backward facing step. The investigation focused on the optical aberrations caused by large and small scale density variations in the flow field. Simulations using the compressible Navier-Stokes equations were used to investigate the unforced and open-loop forced shear layer. The results showed that the shear layer is susceptible to forcing at a wide range of frequencies, which, for feedback flow control applications, leads to a large actuation envelope. Using Double Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (DPOD), the unforced and open-loop forced flow fields were analyzed and an initial Reduced Order Model of this flow field suitable to study feedback flow control was developed.
Challenges and strategies for better use of scientific information in the management of coastal estuaries

Numerous studies have concluded that better use of scientific information could improve the quality of coastal and estuarine environmental management. Approaches for effecting such a change include ecosystem-based, integrated, and adaptive management, but such basic re-orientation of estuarine and coastal management has proved difficult to achieve. Even environmental indicators, seemingly straightforward ways of injecting scientific information into decision making, have achieved broad on-the-ground use in relatively few instances—principally the largest estuary management programs. A conceptual framework useful for examining environmental management systems affecting the five PNCERS (Pacific Northwest coastal Ecosystems Regional Study) estuaries conceives of environmental managers, researchers, and interested and affected parties in the public as interacting through the multi-layered institutional arrangements that currently promote the utilization, management, or protection of coastal and estuarine resources. Considerable variation exists in the approach and effectiveness of the region's environmental management organizations. Interaction between science and management in the region appears to be limited to an extent by high transaction costs; a cultural divide between environmental scientists and environmental managers is perceived by members of both groups who work with the PNCERS estuaries as inhibiting communications between them. Mechanisms that both groups identify as useful for improving the flow of information between science and management are little used, perhaps as a result. The two groups have very different patterns of information dissemination and acquisition, and though both chose agency archives and databases as their top methods for disseminating information, neither group relies much on these vehicles for information they seek. Both residents' and practitioners' perceptions of threats to the PNCERS estuaries show patterns of estuary-to-estuary variation. One theme that emerges is that problems associated with poor land management in adjacent uplands are common to most of these estuaries, potentially providing a sense of commonality through which a more regional approach to estuary management could emerge. A common set of estuarine environmental indicators implemented for all estuaries could help instigate such a regional approach, but resource constraints, especially at the local level, will have to be overcome for that to occur. There is currently substantial lack of common vision among coastal practitioners as to the purpose and desirability of indicators, and relatively little experience or knowledge of their use, particularly at the local level. Use of estuarine science in the management of these estuaries appears to be greatest during periods in which the largest programmatic shifts in environmental management approaches occur, an observation consistent with other studies that have concluded that the use of environmental science in environmental management tends to be episodic.
Efficacy of Diflubenzuron Diluted in Three Volumes of Oils on Boll Weevil Progeny

Diflubenzuron (70g of AI/ha) was applied to cotton at 2.3, 4.7, and 9.4 liters of nonphytotoxic oil (Sun Oil 7N® or Dimoil®) per ha with ground and aerial equipment. There was a significant reduction in the number of adult weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, reared from puncture squares when compared with the untreated control. There was no statistical difference in emergence of adults from infested squares collected in plots treated with the three volumes of oils.
Power-mechanism Characteristic Simulation and Experiment Study of a Dissymmetric Magnetorheological Pneumatic Cylinder

Magnetorheological pneumatic control technology is a new kind of technology that can overcome the disadvantages of traditional pneumatic servo system and achieve accurate and robust control.It is a new field with vast vistas.Based on the theory of magnetorheological pneumatic control technology,a new type of pneumatic position control system was constructed and its power-mechanism mathematics model was modeled.Capability simulink analysis and experiments of the new system were carried out.The conclusion shows that the new system can achieve better stability and higher position precision.It provides theory and experiment basis for the magnetorheological applying in the area of pneumatic technology.
Current status and strategies of implementation on drug clinical trial in our country

The application of drug clinic trial in our country is currently in a phase of standardization which needs plenty of improvements.The article discusses the potential strategies to solve the problem by analyzing the present condition and major issues in drug clinic trial in our country,it is plausible that the suggestions provided here could advance drug clinic trial in China.
TU-FG-207A-04: Overview of the Low Dose CT Grand Challenge

Peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings publish hundreds of papers that describe new medical imaging algorithms, including, for example, techniques for computer-aided diagnosis or characterization, segmentation, image registration, image reconstruction, and radiomics. It is difficult, if not impossible, to fairly compare the performance of these algorithms as investigators must either use different data sets, or if using the same data, use different implementations of competing algorithms. Grand Challenges facilitate the fair comparison of algorithms by providing a common data set to all participants and by having each participant be responsible for implementation of their own algorithm. The dissemination of findings from Grand Challenges provides important information to the scientific community and helps to determine which approaches have the greatest promise for successful translation to clinical practice. In this session we will review the outcomes and lessons learned from the 2015 SPIE-AAPM-NCI Lung Nodule Classification Challenge. We will then turn to the 2016 NIH-AAPM-Mayo Clinic Low Dose CT Grand Challenge, providing an overview of denoising and iterative reconstruction approaches and a description of the Challenge. The top 3 performing participants will be announced, and each will give a short presentation on their technique. Learning Objectives: 1.Understand the role of Grand Challenges in the field of medical imaging 2.Be able to summarize the outcomes of the 2015 lung nodule classification challenge 3.Be able to review the primary types of noise reduction techniques used in CT 4.Be familiar with a library of patient CT projection data available to researchers 5.Learn which techniques performed best in the Low Dose CT Grand Challenge Pelc: GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare; McCollough: Research grant, Siemens Healthcare; Low Dose CT Grand Challenge supported by the AAPM Science Council and NIH (grant EB 017185), and hosted by the Mayo Clinic; Giger: stockholder R2 technology/Hologic, royalties from Hologic, GE Medical Systems, MEDIAN Technologies, Riverain Medical, Mitsubishi/Toshiba. Cofounder/stockholder Quantitative Insights.
Effects of chronic illness on daily life and barriers to self-care for older women: A mixed-methods exploration

This mixed-methods study examined the subjective experience of living with chronic illness and identified barriers to self-care. Community-dwelling older women with chronic illness completed an initial (N = 138) and follow-up mailed survey 6 months later (N = 130). On average, participants reported four comorbid health conditions and the corresponding physical pain, activities curtailed or relinquished, and time and energy focused on managing health. Only 34% of participants practiced all 10 key self-care behaviors. Reported barriers to self-management included pain, lack of financial resources, and worry. In the regression analysis, having more depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of challenges with self-care behaviors.
Measuring Nurse Educators' Willingness to Adopt Inclusive Teaching Strategies.

AIM The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics and relationships of nurse educators' teaching practices, knowledge, support, and willingness to adopt inclusive teaching strategies (WillAdITS). BACKGROUND Adopting more inclusive teaching strategies based on universal design for instruction is an innovative way for educators to reach today's diverse student body. However, the pedagogy has not diffused into nursing education. METHOD Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used for analyzing data from 311 nurse educators in prelicensure and RN to BSN programs. FINDINGS The model explained 44.8 percent of the variance in WillAdITS. The best indicators for this pedagogy were knowledge of universal design for instruction, social system support for inclusive teaching strategies, multiple instructional formats, and years of teaching. CONCLUSION Knowing factors influencing the adoption of inclusive teaching strategies can inform schools of nursing of areas needing further development in the preparation of novice to experienced educators to teach diverse learners.
Gram negative rod meningitis due to Strongyloides stercoralis

A 57-year-old male Mexican immigrant living in Dallas presented with altered mental status, progressive confusion, mild headache and fevers. He was diagnosed with embryonal liver sarcoma one year prior to admission and had recently started dexamethasone therapy for metastatic spinal lesions. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures from a lumbar puncture were both positive for Escherichia coli . He was diagnosed with spontaneous gram negative rod (GNR) meningitis. Given his travel history, immunosuppression and GNR meningitis, a stool ova and parasite sample was obtained to screen for Strongyloides stercoralis . His stool was markedly positive for Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and he was further diagnosed with Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome. Strongyloides is capable of chronically re-infecting human hosts without an external life cycle via autoinfection. In chronic infections, hyperinfection can be triggered with immunosuppressive medications, especially steroids. Disseminated Strongyloides should be considered as the source for unexplained GNR bacteremia or meningitis especially in immunosuppressed patients. Our patient likely had a chronic asymptomatic Strongyloides infection acquired in Mexico that became a hyperinfection resulting in GNR meningitis after starting high doses of dexamethasone.
Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity in Children: An Exploratory Evaluation of Nursing Interventions

Abstract Background Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) produces symptoms of autonomic instability and muscle over-activity; however, the majority of nursing interventions used in clinical practice are anecdotal and not evidenced based. Objective The primary objective was to report nursing documentation of PSH events, and to describe the clinical nursing interventions and care provided to children who have suffered a severe brain injury and are exhibiting PSH. The secondary objective was to demonstrate how the Symptom Management Theory (SMT) can serve as a framework for research related to brain injury and PSH. Methodology The study consisted of a retrospective chart review of nursing progress notes using direct content analysis. The nested sample of ten randomly selected charts was chosen from a larger quantitative study of 83 children who had suffered severe brain injuries with and without PSH. Textual analysis of verbatim nursing progress notes was used to describe nursing interventions that were used and documented for this patient population. Results The priority nursing interventions to manage these symptoms included medication administration, facilitation of family presence, and strategies to target auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli. The sample received different individual interventions for PSH. Additionally, individual subjects demonstrated different patterns of interventions. Implications While tactile interventions were documented most frequently, there was not a uniform approach to interventions. The SMT can be useful to provide a framework that organizes and tests clinical care and management of PSH strategies.
The Extreme Lateral Approach for Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Craniovertebral Junction

Abstract The craniovertebral junction is a complex region that includes the lower clivus, foramen magnum, C1, and C2. Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are slowly growing tumors that arise from notochord rests in the clivus and cartilaginous synchondrosis, respectively. Given their slow growth, they are often large and involve multiple anatomic compartments at clinical presentation. The extreme lateral approach is ideal for accessing tumors that involve the lower clivus, C1/C2, and the retropharyngeal space. Limitations of this approach are access to the contralateral condyle and the clivus above the jugular foramen. Tumors that extend beyond the limits of the approach should be treated with a combined approach. If the occipital condyle or C1/C2 joint are resected, occipital cervical fusion is necessary. Careful planning of the order and timing of multiple approaches and stabilization is necessary for these complex tumors.
Recent developments on treatment strategies and the prognosis of dermatomyositis: a review.

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease affecting both skin and muscle. Steroids are the first line treatment. However, no consensus regarding dosing, length of treatment, tapering speed, or when ...
Population-level plasticity in foraging behavior of western gulls ( Larus occidentalis )

Plasticity in foraging behavior among individuals, or across populations may reduce competition. As a generalist carnivore, western gulls (Larus occidentalis) consume a wide range of marine and terrestrial foods. However, the foraging patterns and habitat selection (ocean or land) of western gulls is not well understood, despite their ubiquity in coastal California. Here, we used GPS loggers to compare the foraging behavior and habitat use of western gulls breeding at two island colonies in central California. Gulls from offshore Southeast Farallon Island (SFI; n = 41 gulls) conducted more oceanic trips (n = 90) of shorter duration (3.8 ± 3.3 SD hours) and distance (27.1 ± 20.3 km) than trips to the mainland (n = 41) which were nearly 4 times longer and 2 times farther away. In contrast, gulls from coastal Ano Nuevo Island (ANI; n = 20 gulls) foraged at sites on land more frequently (n = 103) but trip durations (3.6 ± 2.4 h) and distances (20.8 ± 9.4 km) did not differ significantly from oceanic trips (n = 42) where trip durations were only slightly shorter (2.9 ± 2.7 h) and equidistant (20.6 ± 12.1 km). Gulls from both colonies visited more sites while foraging at sea but spent significantly longer (3–5 times) durations at each site visited on land. Foraging at sea was also more random compared to foraging trips over land where gulls from both colonies visited the same sites on multiple trips. The total home range of gulls from SFI (14,230 km2) was 4.5 times larger than that of gulls from ANI, consistent with greater resource competition resulting from a larger abundance of seabirds at SFI. Population-level plasticity in foraging behavior was evident and dependent on habitat type. In addition, gulls from SFI were away foraging longer than gulls from ANI (22% vs. 7.5%, respectively), which impacts the defense of territories and attempts at nest predation by conspecifics. Our results can be used to explain lower chick productivity at SFI, and can provide insight into increased gull activity in urban areas.
The role of elementary school quality in the persistence of preschool effects

Abstract Long-term evaluations of preschool programs have yielded mixed findings regarding the persistence of preschool effects. Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Cohort of 1998 (n = 15,070) were used to estimate the extent to which the academic benefits of preschool persist as a function of the quality of the elementary school children subsequently experience. Results from propensity score models revealed that the academic benefits of preschool were largely sustained through the end of fifth grade when children subsequently attended a high quality elementary school. In contrast, less than one quarter of these benefits persisted when children attended a low quality elementary school. Taken together, these results point to the role of elementary schools in maintaining the long-term academic benefits of preschool.
Node Linking Strategies in Pyramids for Image Segmentation

A one-pass, bottom-up overlapped pyramid-1inking algorithm is described. This algorithm differs from other pyramid-linking methods in (a) the ordering of node linking, (b) pyramid initialization, and (c) root and leaf marking schemes for determining region segmentation trees. A proof of the convergence of the algorithm is also given.
Biodiversity, Evolution and

Evolution has led to an incredible diversification of life on Earth. This article summarizes our current understanding of the evolution of biodiversity and discusses how the evolution of biodiversity influences communities, both past and present. The influence of evolution on integrated communities of diverse taxa and the likely changes that will take place in the near future certainly rank among the great frontiers facing students of biodiversity as we watch the profound test of the resilience of Earth's ecosystems to the enterprise of human activities.
Founding friends: families and institution building in early 19th century Philadelphia.

BACKGROUND Nurses have always had an interest in the relationships among families, clinicians, and healthcare institutions. This case study of the Friends Asylum for the Insane in early 19th century Philadelphia examines the historical roots of these relationships. METHODS Data sources are archival documents about the male founders of the Friends Asylum, its constituent families, and the committees responsible for the creation and the maintenance of the institution. RESULTS Families seeking a temporary respite from day-to-day turmoil created The Friends Asylum in Philadelphia. The Friends Asylum allowed them to continue to explore the processes that ultimately gained them an enduring identity as members of the newly emerging middle-class. DISCUSSION These data suggest that the Asylum served individuals limited in their capacity for the self-control needed for a new kind of middle-class identity and those families vulnerable to the demands made by the roots of this new identity. For individuals, it provided a place that replicated the intimate domestic ideal. And for families, it allowed the sharing of care-taking responsibilities with kin who wanted the insane out of the home, but not out of the family. CONCLUSION In the early 19th century, families presented clinicians not just with dilemmas, but with solutions that carried substantial cultural weight. This study suggests that theoretical innovations in healthcare might draw from the transformations in normative rules about domestic, work, and social roles. It suggests that nurses remain aware of the possibility that it may not be nurses who empower patients; it may be patients who empower nurses.
Prolonged amino acid infusion into intrauterine growth-restricted fetal sheep increases leucine oxidation rates.

Overcoming impaired growth in an intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetus has potential to improve neonatal morbidity, long-term growth, and metabolic health outcomes. The extent to which fetal ...
Diagnostics and design parameters for kW-class Yb fiber lasers (Conference Presentation)

Fiber lasers have experienced an explosive growth in output power over the last decade, enabling multi-kW output powers with nearly diffraction-limited beam quality. Transverse Mode Instability (TMI) is currently the ultimate limitation in average power scaling of CW fiber lasers. Therefore, new fiber designs and amplifier geometries will be required in the future to overcome TMI-induced limitations. To explore the parameter space, we have constructed several kW-class fiber amplifiers to examine the effects of different fiber designs and amplifier geometries using both commercially available fiber as well as custom, in-house drawn Yb-doped fiber. Investigations are ongoing which explore the effects of variations in the cladding diameter, core NA and fiber length. Results are presented which investigate the roles the cladding diameter and core NA play in system design with regard to thermal management and beam quality management, respectively. Finally, we will present our current progress towards long range, outdoor laser propagation at our TISTEF laser facility.
High-Level VSCF/VCI Calculations Decode the Vibrational Spectrum of the Aqueous Proton.

The hydrated excess proton is a common species in aqueous chemistry, which complexes with water in a variety of structures. The infrared spectrum of the aqueous proton is particularly sensitive to ...
Acceptability of Telemedicine to Help African American Women Manage Anxiety and Depression

African American women experience rates of mental illness comparable to the general population, however they significantly underutilize mental health services. Past studies have shown that telemedicine is effective, and can be used to increase access to services. To assess the acceptability of using mobile video calls, a web-based survey was launched to solicit response from African American women. The results of this exploratory study (N=102) showed high acceptance of the use of video calls to communicate with a professional to receive help to manage anxiety and depression (> 70% endorsed). Statistically significant associations were found between age and agreement with the use of video calls, with younger women (< 50 years) more likely to indicate acceptance (p's < .05). The findings of this study demonstrated the need for additional research into the use of telemedicine to provide African American women with more accessible and convenient options for mental health care.
Larrea tridentata Extract Mitigates Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells

Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata; LT) leaves extracts were tested for their potential efficacy to mitigate cellular oxidative stress on human SH-SY5Y cells. Here, the differential nuclear staining assay, a bioimager system, and flow cytometric protocols, concurrently with several specific chemicals, were used to measure the percentage of cell viability and several facets implicated in the cytoprotective mechanism of LT extracts. Initially, three LT extracts, prepared with different solvents, ethanol, ethanol:water (e/w), and water, were tested for their capacity to rescue the viability of cells undergoing aggressive H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Results indicate that the LT extract prepared with a mixture of ethanol:water (LT-e/w; 60:40% v/v) displayed the most effective cytoprotection rescue activity. Interestingly, by investigating the LT-e/w mechanism of action, it was found that LT-e/w extract decreases the levels of H2O2-provoked reactive oxidative species (ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial depolarization, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase-3/7 activation, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage significantly, which are hallmarks of apoptosis. Thus, out of the three LT extracts tested, our findings highlight that the LT-e/w extract was the most effective protective reagent on SH-SY5Y cells undergoing oxidative stress in vitro, functioning as a natural anti-apoptotic extract. These findings warrant further LT-e/w extract examination in a holistic context.
The Genetics of Pituitary Adenomas

The genetic landscape of pituitary adenomas (PAs) is diverse and many of the identified cases remain of unclear pathogenetic mechanism. Germline genetic defects account for a small percentage of all patients and may present in the context of relevant family history. Defects in AIP (mutated in Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma syndrome or FIPA), MEN1 (coding for menin, mutated in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 or MEN 1), PRKAR1A (mutated in Carney complex), GPR101 (involved in X-Linked Acrogigantism or X-LAG), and SDHx (mutated in the so called “3 P association” of PAs with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas or 3PAs) account for the most common familial syndromes associated with PAs. Tumor genetic defects in USP8, GNAS, USP48 and BRAF are some of the commonly encountered tissue-specific changes and may explain a larger percentage of the developed tumors. Somatic (at the tumor level) genomic changes, copy number variations (CNVs), epigenetic modifications, and differential expression of miRNAs, add to the variable genetic background of PAs.
What's Policy Got to Do with It? Race, Gender & Economic Inequality in the United States

In the United States, economic inequality is both racialized and gendered, with Black and Latina women consistently at the bottom of the economic hierarchy. Relative to men (across racial groups) a...
Comparison of Dexamethasone 4mg vs 8mg Doses in Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction Dexamethasone is commonly administered intraoperatively to control postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain. There is limited evidence of the ideal dosage of dexamethasone during surgery. Dexamethasone administration may increase blood glucose levels, posing unique challenges in maintaining acceptable blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Objective Compare two doses of dexamethasone (4mg and 8mg) for outcomes in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods Medical records of 3,194 patients having undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 who were administered dexamethasone were reviewed. The eligible population included male and female patients aged 18-89, who underwent elective hip and knee replacement surgery and were administered dexamethasone intraoperatively. Demographics, clinical variables, and preoperative diabetic status were recorded. Primary outcomes included: blood glucose levels, incidence of PONV, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) time, and length of stay (LOS). Postoperative complications such as periprosthetic joint injection and urinary tract infections (UTI) were also examined within 90 days of surgery. The 30-day readmissions rate was also collected for analysis. Results There was no PONV in the entire patient population. There were no significant differences between 4mg and 8mg dexamethasone in patients with or without diabetes, for preop to postop blood glucose difference, surgical timing, and post-operative complications. Conclusion Dexamethasone in both 4mg and 8mg dose was effective in PONV prophylaxis. The effects of 4mg and 8mg dexamethasone were the same in individuals with and without diabetes and the increases in blood glucose were not significantly different. Dexamethasone should not be withheld, as its benefits seem to outweigh the risks even in patients with diabetes.
Anomic aphasia in the absence of hemianopia due to proximal posterior cerebral artery occlusion

Abstract To our knowledge, anomic aphasia in the absence of sustained visual field deficits due to proximal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusion has never before been reported. We present a case of a 65-year-old man with medial temporal, occipital and thalamic infarcts due to a left proximal PCA occlusion. The patient initially presented with aphasia and right-sided homonymous hemianopia; the latter resolved with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA). Post-rt-PA angiography revealed a fetal origin of the left PCA with persistent proximal PCA occlusion, with extensive collateralization from the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) providing retrograde flow into the distal PCA territory. This case illustrates how proximal PCA occlusion can result in anomic aphasia in the absence of sustained visual field deficits.
QED plasma in the early universe

Renormalization scheme of quantum electrodynamics (QED) at high temperatures is used to calculate the effective parameters of relativistic plasma in the early universe. Renormalization constants of QED play the role of effective parameters of the theory and can be used to determine the collective behavior of the medium. We explicitly show that the dielectric constant, magnetic reluctivity, Debye length and the plasma frequency depend on temperature in the early universe. Propagation speed ($$v_{prop}$$), refractive index ($$i_r$$), plasma frequency ($$\omega $$) and Debye shielding length ($$\lambda _D$$) of a QED plasma are computed at extremely high temperatures in the early universe. We also found the favorable conditions for the existence of relativistic plasma from these calculations.
Bile acid receptors and signaling crosstalk in the liver, gut and brain

Abstract Bile acids are physiological detergents derived from cholesterol that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, and they play roles in glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism and in gut microbiome and metabolic homeostasis. Bile acids mediate crosstalk between the liver and gut through bactericidal modulation of the gut microbiome, while gut microbes influence the composition of the circulating bile acid pool. Recent research indicates bile acids may also be important mediators of neurological disease by acting as peripheral signaling molecules that activate bile acid receptors in the blood-brain barrier and in the brain itself. This review highlights the role of bile acids in maintaining liver and gut microbe homeostasis, as well as their function as mediators of cellular signaling in the liver-gut-brain axis.