cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse supply in a small state: trends to inform policy.

This study is a contribution to the small existing pool of state level research on Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) workforce supply. Data from four biennial surveys of Vermont APRNs from 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009 (n = 1,538) were analyzed to produce descriptive statistics of one small state’s APRN demographic, educational, employment, job satisfaction, intention to leave, and practice-setting characteristics. Survey results were then used to identify patterns or trends that existed in the data. There was a marked shift in the employment settings and a decrease time worked as an APRN, despite an aging APRN workforce. There was an increase in the aggregate education level of APRNs; however, the percentage educated at the doctoral level remained flat at 2%. Overall, APRNs were a satisfied segment of the health workforce; however, those intending to leave for dissatisfaction voiced more concern about job stress and less concern about salary and benefits over time. Implications for workforce plannin...
Thin-Membrane Solid-Acid Fuel Cell

Solid-acid fuel cells (SCFCs) utilize an anhydrous, nonpolymeric proton conducting electrolyte that can operate at slightly elevated temperatures. By supporting thin CsH2PO4 electrolyte membranes (25-36 µm), on porous stainless steel gas-diffusion electrodes, SAFCs with peak power densities as high as 415 mW/cm^2 were obtained. Cells were operated at ~240°C with humidified H2 supplied to the anode and humidified O2 supplied to the cathode. Despite the thinness of the membranes, the open-circuit voltages were high, 0.91-1.01 V. These results transform SAFCs from laboratory curiosities into highly competitive energy conversion devices.
Bargaining Strategies for Networked Multimedia Resource Management

Multiuser multimedia applications such as enterprise streaming, surveillance, and gaming are recently emerging, and they are often deployed over bandwidth-constrained network infrastructures. To ensure the quality of service (QoS) required by the delay-sensitive and bandwidth intensive multimedia data for these applications, efficient resource (bandwidth) management becomes paramount. We propose to deploy the well-known game theoretic concept of bargaining to allocate the bandwidth fairly and optimally among multiple collaborative users. Specifically, we consider two bargaining solutions for our resource management problem: the Nash bargaining solution (NBS) and the Kalai-Smorodinsky bargaining solution (KSBS). We provide interpretations for the two investigated bargaining solutions for multiuser resource allocation: the NBS can be used to maximize the system utility, while the KSBS ensures that all users incur the same utility penalty relative to the maximum achievable utility. The bargaining strategies and solutions are implemented in the network using a resource manager, which explicitly considers the application-specific distortion for the bandwidth allocation. We show that the bargaining solutions exhibit important properties (axioms) that can be used for effective multimedia resource allocation. Moreover, we propose several criteria for determining bargaining powers for these solutions, which enable us to provide additional flexibility in choosing solution by taking into consideration the visual quality impact, the deployed spatiotemporal resolutions, etc. We also determine the complexity of these solutions for our application and quantify the performance of the proposed bargaining-based resource strategies for different scenarios.
The Case for Reconfigurable Components with Logic Scrubbing: Regular Hygiene Keeps Logic FIT (Low)

As we approach atomic-scale logic, we must accommodate an increased rate of manufacturing defects, transient upsets, and in-field persistent failures. High defect rates demand reconfiguration to avoid defective components, and transient upsets demand online error detection to catch failures. Combining these techniques we can detect in-field persistent failures when they occur and reconfigure around them. However, since failures may be logically masked for long periods of time, persistent failures may accumulate silently; this integration of errors over time means the effective failure rate for persistent errors can exceed transient upset rates. As a result, logic scrubbing is necessary to prevent the silent accumulation of an undetectable number of persistent errors. We provide simple analysis to illustrate quantitatively how this phenomena can be a concern.
Constant-time addition and simultaneous format conversion based on redundant binary representations

It is well-known that constant-time addition, in which the execution delay is independent of operand lengths, is feasible only if the output is expressed in a redundant representation. There are many ways of introducing redundancy and the specifics of the redundant format employed can have a major impact on the performance of constant-time addition and digit set conversion. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of constant-time addition and simultaneous format conversion. We consider full as well as partially redundant representations, where not all digit positions are redundant. The number of redundant digits and their positions can be arbitrary, yielding many possible redundant representations. Format conversion refers to changing the number and/or position of redundant digits in a representation. It is shown that such a format conversion is feasible during (ie, simultaneous with) constant time addition, even if all three operands (the two inputs and single output) are represented in distinct redundant formats. We exploit "equal-weight grouping" (EWG), wherein bits having the same weight are grouped together to achieve the constant-time addition and possible simultaneous format conversion. The analysis and data show that EWG leads to efficient implementations. We compare VLSI implementations of various constant-time addition cells and demonstrate that the conventional 4:2 compressor is the most efficient way to execute constant time-addition. We show interesting connections to prior results and indicate possible directions for further extensions.
Quantitative results from single-particle characterization data

In order to obtain a better understanding of the atmospheric aerosol, several techniques have been developed to examine the nature of individual airborne particles including computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) and aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS). In both cases, the chemical information derived by these techniques is qualitative, but can serve as the basis for classification of the particles into classes with similar chemical compositions. The mass or number concentrations of the particles in each of the identified classes then becomes a quantitative variable that can be used in source apportionment studies or with an external calibration data set to estimate the bulk composition of the sampled aerosol. In this paper, the approaches to particle classification include adaptive resonance theory (ART) neural networks and Density Based Spatial Clustering of Application with Noise (DBSCAN). Applications of these approaches to specific source identification and apportionment problems will be presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong consistency of variance estimation and asymptotic theory for tests of the linear hypothesis in multivariate linear models

Asymptotic distributions are derived for Hotelling's, Piiljai's. Wilks' and Roy' test eriterions for testing linear hypothesis in multivariate singular linear models when the underlying distribution is non-normal. Furthermoer strong consistency of the usual Least-Squar-Residual estimator is proved. ss
Word to the Wise: Blue Lava

Most readers are familiar with the many blue minerals highlighted in this issue of Rocks & Minerals. Some rocks are also blue, due to an abundance of blue minerals. But blue lava—is that possible? ...
Evidence for the presence of smooth muscle α-actin within pericytes of the renal medulla

This study was designed to determine whether smooth muscle α-actin mRNA and smooth muscle α-actin contractile protein elements were present within the renal medullary pericytes. Extraction of total...
Family history and severity of disability associated with chronic low back pain.

76 patients with chronic low back pain were asked to complete the Pain Disability Index and a family history pain checklist. A significant positive relationship was found between severity of chronic pain disability and the number of chronic pain conditions in the patients' families of origin and genesis. These findings support the position that pain disability is learned from family members, but controlled research is needed before dismissing the possible role of genetic and other factors.
FGF21: How sweet it is!

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for many animal species, but excessive consumption can cause obesity, liver toxicity, and metabolic syndrome. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a pleotropic liver-derived hormone that regulates diverse aspects of energy homeostasis, circadian behavior, growth, and female reproduction. Now, Talukdar et al . show that FGF21 suppresses sweet and alcohol preferences in mice and sweet preference in monkeys by decreasing dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in reward pathways in the brain. FGF21 levels increase in response to carbohydrate consumption in rodents and humans, and certain SNPs in the FGF21 gene are associated with increased carbohydrate consumption in humans. FGF21 is known to elicit its effects in the brain through a cell surface receptor that is composed of FGF receptor 1 and the β-Klotho receptor, a β-glucuronidase implicated in insulin sensitivity and aging. Transgenic Fgf21 mice that express supraphysiological levels of FGF21 or wild-type mice that received exogenous FGF21 showed significant decreases in both sucrose and saccharin preferences. These decreases were abrogated in mice that specifically lacked the β-Klotho receptor in the brain. Administration of FGF21 similarly decreased ethanol preference in mice but had no effect on responses to fatty acids and bitter taste. The effect of FGF21 on carbohydrate preference was also observed in nonhuman primates (obese cynomolgus monkeys). FGF21 receptor expression was localized specifically in the brain’s mesolimbic pathway [ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc)], which regulates reward behavior primarily through dopamine signaling. Indeed, FGF21 administration decreased dopamine and its metabolites in the NAc. Long-acting FGF21 analogues are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although the mechanism by which FGF21 reduces dopamine concentrations remains unknown, these findings warrant additional studies to evaluate FGF21’s effects on carbohydrate preference and other reward behavior in humans. S. Talkudar et al ., FGF21 regulates sweet and alcohol preference. Cell Metab. 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.12.008 (2015). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.12.008
Topical Polymyxin‐Trimethoprim Prophylaxis May Decrease the Incidence of Driveline Infections in Patients With Continuous‐Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effect of topical polymyxin-trimethoprim (poly) prophylaxis on the incidence of driveline infections (DLIs) in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices. All 84 cases implanted 2005-2014 with device support ≥30 days were reviewed; support ranged 1 m-5.2 yrs. Beginning 2008, poly was applied to the exit site with dressing changes. Sixty-five patients received poly (poly group) for duration of follow-up, 19 did not (no-poly); group baseline characteristics were similar. No patient developed side effects from poly. Nineteen DLIs (10 in no-poly) occurred; not using poly was a risk factor. 89% of poly group DLIs were superficial, 4 were culture-negative. DLI-related bacteremia occurred in 11% of no-poly group and 0% of poly group. Compared with no-poly, poly group demonstrated improved freedom from DLI by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P 1 yr (38%) were similar. These findings, which should be confirmed with larger comparative studies, suggest that topical polymyxin-trimethoprim prophylaxis may be effective in preventing DLIs.
A Classroom Teaching System Built on Agent and XML Technology

This paper analyzes the functions of "Double Principal Mode",a classroom teaching net system built in the light of modern educational thoery,and puts forward the functional module connected to the thought of "Double PrincipalMode",and offers a solution in intelligentizing the classroom teaching net system.
Estimation of the relative biological availability of inorganic selenium sources for ruminants using tissue uptake of selenium.

An experiment was conducted to estimate the relative bioavailability of inorganic Se sources based on tissue Se deposition following supplementation at high dietary levels. Twenty-eight crossbred wethers averaging 50 kg initial weight were assigned randomly to seven treatments that were fed for 10 d. The basal diet contained .18 mg/kg Se (DM basis). Dietary Se was added at 0, 3, 6 or 9 mg/kg as reagent grade sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) and 6 mg/kg from either calcium selenite (CaSeO3), Na2SeO3 + fumed amorphous carrier or sodium selenate (Na2SeO4). There were four sheep per treatment group, housed in individual, raised pens with slatted floors. Daily feed intake was restricted to 1,200 g and tap water was available ad libitum. The basal diet was fed for a 10-d adjustment period, then sheep were fed experimental diets for 10 d. At the termination of the experiment, blood samples were taken; sheep were stunned and killed, and livers and kidneys were removed and frozen for Se analysis. There was a linear (P less than .001) uptake of Se in liver, kidney and serum. The CaSeO3 and Na2SeO4 sources resulted in greater (P less than .05) Se concentrations in liver and kidney than did Na2SeO3, but these differences were not significant when the analyzed dietary Se concentrations were used as a covariate in the statistical model. Based on linear and multiple linear regression slopes and average increases in serum, liver and kidney Se concentrations, estimated relative bioavailability values corrected for analyzed dietary concentration, were 100, 101, 90 and 133 for Na2SeO3, CaSeO3, Na2SeO3 + carrier and Na2SeO4, respectively.
Therapy for Hypercholesterolemia

For most patients, hypercholesterolemia can be effectively lowered with drug therapy but only after several issues have been considered. First, drug therapy should never be considered without adequate dietary intervention. Dietary therapy may be effective for many patients with mild to moderate elevations in cholesterol. None of the drugs used to treat lipid disorders are benign agents. There is still debate about the interpretations of recent studies, the ability to generalize from studies to the whole population, and the cost effectiveness of drug treatment. Within the framework of the AHA and NCEP guidelines, an individualized approach to therapy is prudent. This should be initiated with maximal patient education because drug therapy will be maintained for the long-term or for life. The LDL and HDL levels, age, sex, other CHD risk factors, cost of treatment, patient awareness, and motivation must all be assessed when making treatment decisions. When drug therapy is considered for patients with isolated hypercholesterolemia, bile acid sequestrants are the drugs of choice.
Current issues in psychoanalytic child development.

This paper addresses Anna Freud's propositions about the significance of the developmental point of view. Beyond the role of genetic reconstruction, the developmental dimension demands our investig...
Political Skill, Trust, and Efficacy in Teams

Political skill, frequently understood as a social skill at work, is argued to be a valuable resource not only at the individual level but also for the teams. Using hierarchical linear modeling and data from 525 students, organized into 115 teams, we demonstrate that political skill at the individual level shapes individual perceptions of team efficacy and trust in team. Both the level and the composition of political skill within the team are found to be critical for these team emergent states, albeit they play out differently for team members who are high versus low in political skill.
‘Deductions from Metaphors’: Figurative Truth, Poetical Language, and Early Modern Science

What is the rhetoric of truth? Not its content, but its syntactical structure, its verbal characteristics, its heuristic strategies? Might the resources of invention be marked not just by their manner of pleasing or persuading, but as indexical of distinctive relationships with fact? What is the grammar of nature? Of God? I hope here to shed some new light on an intellectual crux in seventeenth-century England wherein the answers to these questions changed radically. I want to offer two complementary suggestions: one, that well into the seventeenth century, early modern natural philosophers relied on metaphor—that most seemingly unscientific of tropes—as a forensic device which yielded understanding of the natural world; and two, that poets recognized this ‘scientific’ quality of figurative language, and used metaphor not merely as embellishment but also as an epistemological strategy: one that allowed literature to ‘think.’1 I will begin with the forensic capabilities of literary language, but my end point is the metaphoricity of science. My larger historical concern is with the epistemic displacement of figurative thinking by literality as the optimal conduit of truth—a misprision that continues to affect the status of the humanities relative to the sciences to this day. To get there, I consider the relationship between metaphor and natural philosophy primarily in the works of two seventeenth-century figures, Thomas Browne and Robert Boyle, whose divergent linguistic choices derive from opposed assessments of—and claims about—the ‘grammar’ of natural and supernatural realms.2
Impact of Rapid Molecular Respiratory Virus Testing on Real-Time Decision Making in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) are usually viral [influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)] and account for 25% of emergency department (ED) peak-season visits. Laboratory PCR testing is accurate albeit slow, whereas rapid antigen testing is inaccurate. We determined the impact of bedside PCR (molecular point-of-care test; mPOCT) on pediatric ARI management. This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive pediatric patients with ED-ordered respiratory PCR test, enrolled over 9 weeks during peak flu season. On ordering, ED physicians were interviewed to ascertain real-time plans if given immediate influenza/RSV PCR results for the current patient. Two groups were compared: actual management and management adjusted for mPOCT results. We compared ED length of stay (LOS), tests ordered, and antibiotic/antiviral ordering. One-hundred thirty-six respiratory PCR panels were ordered, 71 by admitting team, 61 for ED management. Of 61 ED-initiated tests, physicians indicated in 39 cases (64%) they would change patient management were bedside viral results available. Physicians would have decreased ED LOS by 33 minutes, ordered fewer tests (18%; P
Implementation of 3 Phase 4 Wire Energy Meter of Class 0.5 Accuracy

Electricity is one of the vital requirements for sustainment of comfort of life. It should be used very judiciously for its proper utilization. The main purpose of this project is to measure the energy with high accuracy for industrial applications. In industry, There are lots of control panels in which the energy meters are used to measure the amount of energy consumed. Today with several manufacturers in the market , There are lots of parameters has to be considered like accuracy, cost, the size of meter etc. while designing the product. In the market, many types of energy meters are available for industrial applications but the high accuracy meters are not available that’s why it is the necessity of the market to propose an energy meter with high accuracy.
Creating High Performance Applications with Intel's FPGA OpenCL™ SDK

After decades of research, High-Level Synthesis has finally caught on as a mainstream design technique for FPGAs. However, achieving performance results that are comparable to designing at a hardware description level still remains a challenge. In this talk, we illustrate how we achieve world class performance results on HPC applications by using OpenCL. Specifically, we show how we achieve 1Tflop of performance on a matrix multiply and over 1.3Tflops on a CNN application, run on Intel's 20nm Arria 10 FPGA device. By leveraging specific coding styles, we show how you can achieve peak performance on the FPGA without having to resort to tedious hardware design languages. Finally, we will describe spatial coding techniques that lead to efficient structures, such as systolic-arrays, to ensure that the FPGA runs efficiently.
Albiglutide (Tanzeum) for Diabetes Mellitus.

Reductions in A1C are less with albiglutide than with the first-line therapy metformin, and albiglutide costs significantly more than metformin and sulfonylureas. Albiglutide's ability to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and major cardiovascular events is unknown.
Optical birefringence imaging of x-ray excited lithium tantalate

X-ray absorption in lithium tantalate induces large, long-lived (∼10−5 s) optical birefringence, visualized via scanning optical polarimetry. Similar birefringence measured from glass, sapphire, and quartz was two orders of magnitude weaker; much of this reduction can be accounted for by their smaller cross section for x-ray absorption. While x-ray induced charges can perturb local refractive indices and lead to birefringence, aligned dipoles in the non-centrosymmetric unit cell of ferroelectric LiTaO3 create electric fields that also induce birefringence via electro-optic coupling, which shows up as a dependence on crystal orientation. Time-resolved measurements from LiTaO3 show a prompt response on a picosecond time scale, which along with the long decay time suggest novel opportunities for optical detection of x-rays.
Mechanistic Systems Modeling to Improve Understanding and Prediction of Cardiotoxicity Caused by Targeted Cancer Therapeutics.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are highly potent cancer therapeutics that have been linked with serious cardiotoxicity, including left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, and QT prolongation. TKI-induced cardiotoxicity is thought to result from interference with tyrosine kinase activity in cardiomyocytes, where these signaling pathways help to control critical processes such as survival signaling, energy homeostasis and excitation-contraction coupling. However, mechanistic understanding is limited at present due to the complexities of tyrosine kinase signaling and the wide range of targets inhibited by TKIs. Here we review the use of TKIs in cancer and the cardiotoxicities that have been reported, discuss potential mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity, and describe recent progress in achieving a more systematic understanding of cardiotoxicity. In particular, we argue that future advances are likely to be enabled by studies that combine large-scale experimental measurements with Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) models describing biological mechanisms and dynamics. As such approaches have proven extremely valuable for understanding and predicting other types of cardiotoxicity, it is likely that QSP modeling can be successfully applied to cardiotoxicity induced by TKIs. We conclude by discussing a potential strategy for integrating genome-wide expression measurements with models, illustrate initial advances in applying this approach to cardiotoxicity, and describe challenges that must be overcome to truly develop a mechanistic and systematic understanding of cardiotoxicity caused by TKIs.
Natural killer cells unleashed: Checkpoint receptor blockade and BiKE/TriKE utilization in NK-mediated anti-tumor immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells have long been known to mediate anti-tumor responses without prior sensitization or recognition of specific tumor antigens. However, the tumor microenvironment can suppress NK cell function resulting in tumor escape and disease progression. Despite recent advances in cytokine therapy and NK cell adoptive transfer, tumor expression of ligands to NK - expressed checkpoint receptors can still suppress NK mediated tumor lysis. This review will explore many of the checkpoint receptors tumors utilize to manipulate the NK cell response as well as some of the current and upcoming pharmacological solutions to limit tumor suppression of NK cell function. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential to use these drugs in combinational therapies with novel antibody reagents such as bi- and tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs and TriKEs) against tumor-specific antigens to enhance NK cell-mediated tumor rejection.
Mediating the bullying victimization–delinquency relationship with anger and cognitive impulsivity: A test of general strain and criminal lifestyle theories

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare intervening mechanisms proposed by general strain theory and the control model of criminal lifestyle theory as explanations for the strain–behavior relationship. Methods In this study strain was defined as bullying victimization, behavior was operationalized as delinquency, and the two mediators were anger and cognitive impulsivity. Analyses were completed on a group of 572 early adolescent schoolchildren from the Illinois Study of Bullying and Sexual Victimization (ISBSV). A causal mediation analysis was performed with prospective data from the ISBSV, with six months between the independent and mediator variables and six months between the mediator and dependent variables. Results The outcome of the analyses indicated that cognitive impulsivity but not anger mediated the victimization–delinquency relationship, although the two pathways did not differ significantly from one another. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary support for the mediating mechanism proposed by the control model of criminal lifestyle theory (i.e., cognitive impulsivity).
FPGA Updates and Programmability

This chapter explains the security issues related to the programmability of FPGAs. FPGAs have the ability to change part or all of their configuration during runtime in the field. This chapter also explains how to prevent attackers from exploiting these features.
A search for minerals associated with serpentinization across Mars using CRISM spectral data

Sites associated with serpentinization processes, both on Earth and throughout the Solar System, are becoming increasingly compelling for the study of habitability and astrobiology. The co-occurrence of serpentine, Mg-carbonate, and talc/saponite on Mars is most like terrestrial sites where this mineral suite is produced in low-temperature serpentinizing environments, and where on Earth these reactions support biological activity. This study aims to understand the global distribution of minerals associated with serpentinization. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) spectral dataset using factor analysis and target transformation methods to efficiently parse through the large quantity of data. These methods allow for the rapid analysis of thousands of images and provide a quantitative means to determine the significant spectral constituents of an image. These methods were used to produce a global distribution map of CRISM images with a significant likelihood of containing the spectral types of interest. Previous detections of serpentine using traditional CRISM analysis techniques were typically corroborated and additional detections were identified in isolated locations across the martian southern highlands. Most serpentine across Mars is associated with another Fe/Mg-phyllosilicate phase like talc and/or saponite. Except for in the Nili Fossae region, serpentine shows no clear relationship with ultramafic bedrock or with the other mineral phases investigated (Mg-carbonate and talc/saponite). Most serpentine detections were found in isolated exposures, associated with crater ejecta, knobby terrain, or as part of discontinuous layers in crater or valley walls. Nili Fossae shows more pervasive and extensive detections of a serpentine + phyllosilicate endmember than previously recognized, particularly in the eastern portion of Nili Fossae where the highest concentration of olivine-rich basalts is located. These findings imply that large, regional-scale near surface serpentinizing systems were likely rare on Mars. However, low-concentration serpentine detections across the southern highlands do suggest more pervasive serpentinization early in Mars history, when the planet was more geologically active.
The biology of Aedes albopictus.

L'histoire de Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis. Il a ete isole en 1976, pres du Kibbutz Zeelim, desert du Negev, Israel, par Tahori et Margalit, a partir d'une mare ou de nombreuses larves de Culex pipiens mortes ou agonisantes avaient ete remarquees. L'activite de cette souche isolee, ONR 60A sur Aedes, Culex, Anopheles et Uranotaenia a ete precisee par Goldberg et Margalit en 1976. Elle a ete identifiee par H. de Bayac au laboratoire de reference de l'institut Pasteur a Paris: B. t. i. serotype H14
Liver Resection: Right Lobectomy

Safe liver surgery has been performed for the past three decades. Before the 1980s, the mortality rate associated with liver resections was above 20%, mostly related to massive hemorrhage. Improved anesthesia and postoperative care, in addition to a better understanding of the liver’s anatomy, reduced mortality rates to less than 5% in specialized centers. Laparoscopic liver surgery started in the mid-1990s [1]. The recent advances in laparoscopic devices and the development of liver parenchymal transection equipment led to an increased performance of laparoscopic liver resections in recent years. Although laparoscopy has been shown to be a safe and feasible approach [2–9], major hepatectomies are being performed in few centers [1]. In expert hands, oncologic and clinical outcomes have proven to be equivalent to those of the open technique [10–13], with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery (early recovery, shorter hospitalization, and better cosmetic outcomes) [14]. Limitations of laparoscopic surgery such as the restricted movement of the instruments and two-dimensional view, the complexity of these procedures, and the potential risk of major bleeding during the parenchymal transection are some of the obstacles preventing a wider application of laparoscopy in liver resections [1].
If Safety Matters, Let’s Measure It: Nationwide Survey Results for Bicycle and Pedestrian Treatment Prioritization

AbstractBicycling and walking can provide public health and quality of life benefits to a community, but safety concerns and crash rates for those who choose to bicycle or walk remain high. To bett...
Comparative Genomics, Siderophore Production, and Iron Scavenging Potential of Root Zone Soil Bacteria Isolated from ‘Concord’ Grape Vineyards

Iron (Fe) deficiency in crop production is a worldwide problem which often results in chlorosis in grapevines, particularly in calcareous soils. Siderophores secreted by microorganisms and Strategy II plants can chelate Fe and other metals in soil solution, and siderophore-Fe complexes can then be utilized by plants and microbes. Plants may also shift rhizosphere conditions to favor siderophore-producing microbes, which can increase plant available Fe. Between-row cover crops (barley, rye, wheat, wheat/vetch) were planted as living mulch to address grapevine chlorosis by enhancing soil health in two vineyards in central Washington. The objectives of the current study were to (1) enrich for siderophore-producing organisms from within the indigenous rooting zone community of ‘Concord’ grapevines, and (2) perform comparative genomics on putative siderophore producing organisms to assess potentially important Fe acquisition-related functional domains and protein families. A high-throughput, chrome azurol S (CAS)-based enrichment assay was used to select siderophore-producing microbes from ‘Concord’ grapevine root zone soil. Next-generation whole genome sequencing allowed the assembly and annotation of ten full genomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades among the genomes using the 40 nearest neighbors available in the public database, all of which were of the Pseudomonas genus. Significant differences in functional domain abundances were observed between the clades including iron acquisition and metabolism of amino acids, carbon, nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur. Diverse mechanisms of Fe uptake and siderophore production/uptake were identified in the protein families of the genomes. The sequenced organisms are likely pseudomonads which are well-suited for iron scavenging, suggesting a potential role in Fe turnover in vineyard systems.
Distributed Acoustic Sensing Using Dark Fiber for Near-Surface Characterization and Broadband Seismic Event Detection.

We present one of the first case studies demonstrating the use of distributed acoustic sensing deployed on regional unlit fiber-optic telecommunication infrastructure (dark fiber) for broadband seismic monitoring of both near-surface soil properties and earthquake seismology. We recorded 7 months of passive seismic data on a 27 km section of dark fiber stretching from West Sacramento, CA to Woodland, CA, densely sampled at 2 m spacing. This dataset was processed to extract surface wave velocity information using ambient noise interferometry techniques; the resulting VS profiles were used to map both shallow structural profiles and groundwater depth, thus demonstrating that basin-scale variations in hydrological state could be resolved using this technique. The same array was utilized for detection of regional and teleseismic earthquakes and evaluated for long period response using records from the M8.1 Chiapas, Mexico 2017, Sep 8th event. The combination of these two sets of observations conclusively demonstrates that regionally extensive fiber-optic networks can effectively be utilized for a host of geoscience observation tasks at a combination of scale and resolution previously inaccessible.
General mathematical formula for near equilibrium relaxation kinetics of basic enzyme reactions and its applications to find conformational selection steps.

Abstract A general mathematical formula of basic enzyme reactions was derived with nearly no dependence on conditions nor assumptions on relaxation kinetic processes near equilibrium in a simple single-substrate-single-product enzyme reaction. The new formula gives precise relationships between the rate constants of the elementary reaction steps and the apparent relaxation rate constant, rather than the initial velocity that is generally used to determine enzymatic parameters according to the Michaelis–Menten theory. The present formula is shown to be complementary to the Michaelis–Menten formulae in a sense that the initial velocity and the relaxation rate constant data together could determine the enzyme–substrate dissociation constant KES, which has been usually conditionally approximated by the Michaelis constant KM within the framework of the Michaelis–Menten formulae. We also describe relaxation kinetics of enzyme reactions that include the conformational selection processes, in which only one enzymatic conformer among a conformational ensemble can bind with either the substrate or product. The present mathematical approaches, together with numerical computation analyses, suggested that the presence of conformational selection steps in enzymatic reactions can be experimentally detected simply by enzymatic assays with catalytic amounts of enzyme.
The Arginines in the N-Terminus of the Porcine Circovirus 2 Virus-like Particles Are Responsible for Disrupting the Membranes at Neutral and Acidic pH

Non-enveloped viruses that are endocytosed employ numerous mechanisms to disrupt endosomal membranes for escape into the cellular cytoplasm. These include the use of amphipathic helices or sheets, hydrophobic loops, myristoylated peptides, and proteins with phospholipase activity. Some mechanisms result in immediate deterioration of the endosome, while others form pores in the membrane causing osmolysis to disrupt the endosome and allow viral escape. We describe an additional mechanism by a non-enveloped virus to disrupt endosomal membranes. Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) possesses a 41-amino acid arginine-rich motif (ARM) at the N-terminus of its capsid protein that appears to be in the interior of the virus-like particle (VLP). Using in vitro membrane disruption assays, we demonstrate that PCV2 VLP, unassembled capsid, and ARM peptide possess the ability to disrupt endosomal-like membranes, whereas VLP lacking the ARM sequence does not possess this capability. Membrane disruption by VLP is insensitive to pH, but unassembled capsid protein and ARM peptide exhibit diminished activity at low pH. Our liposome disruption assays, circular dichroism, and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence assays allow us to propose a model for PCV2-endosomal membrane interaction wherein the ARM peptide externalizes from the capsid, its C-terminus (amino acids 28-40) anchors into the membrane, and the arginine-rich N-terminus (amino acids 1-27) drives membrane disruption. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a non-enveloped virus using the arginines of an ARM to disrupt membranes. Also, this is the first example of such study for the Circoviridae family of viruses.
A homogeneous liquid reference material for monitoring the quality and reproducibility of in situ cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al analyses

Abstract Analysis of the in situ produced cosmogenic nuclides 10Be and 26Al has been used for several decades to study Earth surface processes; yet, no reference material has been widely adopted and used by the community to ensure the quality and comparability of sample preparation and isotopic analyses. Such a reference material could facilitate inter-laboratory comparison and serve as a benchmark for quantifying the accuracy, precision, and long-term reproducibility of terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide analyses. Here, we describe a liquid reference material, UVM-A, which is freely available to the community. We created four liters of solution by dissolving CRONUS-A granular reference material [1] , and spiking the solution with stable 9Be and 27Al, yielding a solution containing 236.7 ± 0.6 μg g−1 Be and 932.6 ± 1.6 μg g−1 Al (average, 1SD). Initial analyses of UVM-A indicate that the nuclide ratios of the reference material (10Be/9Be 1.43 ± 0.02 × 10−13; 26Al/27Al 4.44 ± 0.05 × 10−13; average, standard error) are similar to those of late-glacial exposure samples, are tightly clustered, and match the nuclide concentrations expected from the CRONUS-A quartz used to prepare the reference material. Use of this reference material will help to quantify uncertainty in cosmogenic exposure ages, burial ages, and erosion rates resulting from sample preparation and isotopic analysis.
Phosphorus supply and arbuscular mycorrhizas increase growth and net gas exchange responses of two Citrus spp. grown at elevated [CO2]

We hypothesized that greater photosynthate supply at elevated [CO2] could compensate for increased below-ground C demands of arbuscular mycorrhizas. Therefore, we investigated plant growth, mineral nutrition, starch, and net gas exchange responses of two Citrus spp. to phosphorus (P) nutrition and mycorrhizas at elevated atmospheric [CO2]. Half of the seedlings of sour orange (C. aurantium L.) and ‘Ridge Pineapple’ sweet orange (C. sinensis L. Osbeck) were inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith and half were non-mycorrhizal (NM). Plants were grown at ambient or 2X ambient [CO2] in unshaded greenhouses for 11 weeks and fertilized daily with nutrient solution either without added P or with 2 mM P in a low-P soil. High P supply reduced AM colonization whereas elevated [CO2] counteracted the depressive effect of P on intraradical colonization and vesicle development. Seedlings grown at either elevated [CO2], high P or with G. intraradices had greater growth, net assimilation of CO2 (ACO2) in leaves, leaf water-use efficiency, leaf dry wt/area, leaf starch and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. Root/whole plant dry wt ratio was decreased by elevated [CO2], P, and AM colonization. Mycorrhizal seedlings had higher leaf-P status but lower leaf N and K concentrations than nonmycorrhizal seedlings which was due to growth dilution effects. Starch in fibrous roots was increased by elevated [CO2] but reduced by G. intraradices, especially at low-P supply. In fibrous roots, elevated [CO2] had no effect on C/N, but AM colonization decreased C/N in both Citrus spp. grown at low-P supply. Overall, there were no species differences in growth or ACO2. Mycorrhizas did not increase plant growth at ambient [CO2]. At elevated [CO2], however, mycorrhizas stimulated growth at both P levels in sour orange, the more mycorrhiza-dependent species, but only at low-P in sweet orange, the less dependent species. At low-P and elevated [CO2], colonization by the AM fungus increased ACO2 in both species but more so in sour orange than in sweet orange. Leaf P and root N concentrations were increased more and root starch level was decreased less by AM in sour orange than in sweet orange. Thus, the additional [CO2] availability to mycorrhizal plants increased CO2 assimilation, growth and nutrient uptake over that of NM plants especially in sour orange under P limitation.
A Qualitative Investigation of Factors that Influence School Employee Health Behaviors: Implications for Wellness Programming.

Background Employee health promotion in the elementary school setting can support students' health and academic success. School employees can serve as role models, yet evidence suggests poor health in this population. We identified factors that influence school employee health behaviors to inform subsequent development of employee wellness programs. Methods Focus groups (10 groups, total N = 62) and interviews (N = 5) were conducted with school employees. Participants were recruited from schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged, racially diverse districts in Massachusetts. We used a socioecological framework to identify multi-level factors that influence employee health behaviors. Factors were characterized as supports (+) or barriers (-) to health-promoting behaviors. Results Eight themes highlighted the importance of an organizational culture that sustains successful employee wellness programming. Intrapersonal themes included: High Stress (+/-), Desire to Adopt Healthy Behaviors (+), and Sufficient Health Knowledge (+). Interpersonal themes included: Strong Social Network (+) and a Desire to Role Model (+). Organizational themes included: Demanding Job (-), Lack of Wellness Culture (-), and Unhealthy Food (-). Conclusions Our findings suggest that this population would be receptive to wellness programming. Promising strategies include supporting a dedicated wellness champion and creating recognizable top down wellness support for employees.
Bridge construction progress monitoring using lidar and 4D design models

Abstract Accurate data collected from on-going construction projects assists project field engineers with tracking the progress of construction work. The comparison of as-planned schedules against the as-built status of construction enables the involved parties to determine project performance. Periodic monitoring of project performance enables timely identification of discrepancies between the schedule baseline and the project schedule. The rapid identification of discrepancies allows necessary measures to be taken to minimize the impact of a delay on the construction workflow. In transportation projects, the traditional means of acquiring as-built data from a construction site prevents involved parties from receiving the required information from the site in a timely manner. The delay in the communication of information ultimately causes subsequent delays in implementing necessary courses of action targeted toward improving the workflow. Therefore, this project develops a technology-supplemented progress monitoring approach. The approach implements as-built data with a high level of detail is obtained from a jobsite within a reasonable period of time using lidar technology while ensuring the safety of the data collector. The proposed framework utilizes point cloud data obtained using mobile lidar technology and 4D design models to identify deviations of the performed work from the planned work. The framework was tested using as-built data acquired from an on-going bridge construction project, and Percentage of Completion (POC) for the as-built bridge elements are calculated and compared with the as-planned POC. The differences between these two POC values for every element, on a particular scan date, are used for assessing the performance of the proposed framework. The obtained POC difference values ranged from −7% to 6% for most elements, which shows that the developed framework enables tracking the completion of individual bridge elements in an accurate and efficient manner.
Secure Authentication in Cross-Technology Communication for Heterogeneous IoT

The emerging Cross-Technology Communication (CTC) has enabled the direct communication among different protocols, which will greatly enhance the spectrum efficiency. However, it will also bring security challenges to end IoT devices since the attacks can be from heterogeneous devices. Current deployed security mechanisms cannot be applied among heterogeneous devices. This work proposes a new mechanism to verify the legitimacy of signal source so that only the signals from legal CTC devices can be further processed. We verify the legitimacy of devices by embedding authorization codes into the packets at the sender side and verify them at the receiver side. Theoretical analysis and experiments show that this mechanism can provide effective protection on heterogeneous communication pairs.
Phase behavior of mixtures involving glassy materials

Abstract Many glassy materials decompose at higher temperatures and do not have a critical state. This forces researchers who use equations of state (EOS) that require a critical state to create fictitious critical properties. Understanding the thermo-mechanical and physical properties as well as the phase behavior of these materials is extremely important in the successful design of devices, laminates and green solvents, in oil exploration, transportation and processing, etc. The approach proposed in this work uses the glass transition temperature for glassy components, instead a fictitious critical state, within the multi-scale Gibbs-Helmholtz Constrained (GHC) cubic EOS framework to calculate thermo-physical properties and phase equilibrium. The approach is rigorous, self-consistent, and does not require model parameters to be regressed to experimental data. The main features of the proposed modeling framework for glassy materials are described and two examples of mixtures involving glassy materials are presented to elucidate key ideas.