cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do patients in a medical or surgical ICU benefit from a neurologic consultation

Neurological complications are common in general medical and surgical intensive care units (ICU); they can prolong ICU and hospital stay and worsen outcome, including mortality. We performed a descriptive analysis of neurological consultations in non-neurological ICUs to determine the frequency of various neurological complications and to assess the diagnostic yield, therapeutic implications and prognostic benefit of these consultations. This is a retrospective single group cohort study of all neurological consultations for patients admitted to non-neurological (medical, respiratory care unit, cardiac, cardiothoracic, surgical and trauma) ICUs at Saint Marys Hospital (Mayo Clinic, Rochester) over a 24-month period (01 January 2010 to 31 December 2011). Equal numbers of neurological consultations (174, 50% each) were requested from medical ICUs and surgical ICUs. Altered consciousness (158, 45%), seizure (76, 22%) and focal deficits (75, 22%) were the most common reasons for consultations. Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic benefit was considered present in 89%, 38% and 39% patients respectively. Treatment change following neurological consultation occurred in 48% patients. Encephalopathy, stroke, seizure and anoxic brain injury were the most common causes of neurological complications in non-neurological ICUs with sedatives and opiates being the most common cause of encephalopathy. Almost half of the patients had change in treatment following neurological consultation. Neurological consultations in non-neurological ICU's are beneficial for patient's care in terms of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Ultra-low leakage junction engineering of cell transistor by raised source/drain for logic-compatible 28-nm embedded DRAM

An ultra-low leakage junction design concept is proposed for further scaling of cell transistor for logic-compatible 28-nm embedded DRAM (eDRAM). Raised source/drain (RSD) enables to introduce graded junction to short-channel FET in order to reduce junction leakage. Furthermore, the LDD formed by thermal diffusion of dopant from in-situ phosphorus-doped RSD enables to suppress subthreshold leakage by removing LDD ion implantation that causes extra broadening of impurity atoms. We demonstrated the cell FET with 0.1-pA off-leakage at 115C without Ion degradation for fully logic-compatible 28-nm eDRAM.
Two Shark-bitten Whale Skeletons from Coastal Plain Deposits of South Carolina

Abstract Two partial skeletons of baleen whales have been recovered from Coastal Plain deposits of South Carolina. One specimen, from the lower Pliocene Goose Creek Limestone, consists of a partial skull (including mandibles) and some incomplete ribs; the other was collected from Pleistocene-Holocene mud and includes numerous post-cranial elements in addition to fragmentary premaxillae and maxillae. These whale skeletons preserve compelling fossil/sub-fossil evidence, in the form of bite marks and shed/embedded teeth, that the elasmobranchs Galeocerdo cuvier, Carcharhinus falciformis, C. longimanus, C. obscurus, and C. plumbeus fed on cetacean carcasses.
Land cover mapping at sub-pixel scales using remote sensing imagery

One of the great challenges of land cover mapping from remotely sensed images is the mixed pixel problem. Much research has focused on attempting to extract land cover types at sub-pixel scale, while little research has been conducted concerning the spatial allocation of land cover types within a pixel. The "pixel-swapping" optimization algorithm was examined for predicting land cover distribution using remote sensory imagery at a sub-pixel level. Optimum parameters were derived through the experiment.
Dissolution Kinetics of a Three-Component Solid I: Ethylparaben, Phenacetin, and Salicylamide

Abstract The dissolution rates of each component in compressed spheres consisting of three components were measured under sink conditions. A film diffusion model is discussed and presented diagrammatically to illustrate the 13 possible dissolution behaviors of a three-component solid. Experimental dissolution rates compare favorably to dissolution rates calculated according to the model at mass fractions representative of the 13 dissolution behaviors
Estimating prevalence of serious emotional disturbance in schools using a brief screening scale

Information about the prevalence of serious mental illness (SMI) among adults or serious emotional disturbance (SED) among youth in small domains such as counties, states, or schools is valuable for mental health policy planning purposes, but prohibitively expensive to collect with semi-structured surveys. Commonly used synthetic estimation methods yield imprecise estimates. An improved method is described here that combines information about socio-demographic covariates with screening scale scores obtained from a sample of individuals, using a prediction equation derived from a Bayesian multilevel regression model with bivariate outcomes fitted to a larger population survey. This method is illustrated using K6 screening scale scores to predict school-level prevalence of SED in the sample of 282 schools that participated in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement. Respondents completed a diagnostic interview that was used to define DSM-IV SED. SED prevalence varied significantly across schools and was strongly correlated with aggregate K6 scores (rho = 0.70). Calculations suggest that near-maximum precision of school-level SED prevalence estimates could be attained with K6 samples of 200 students per school. This modeling approach holds great promise for generating accurate estimates of SMI/SED in small-area planning units based on K6 scores collected in ongoing health tracking surveys.
Isolation and characterization of the gene encoding single-stranded-DNA-binding protein (SSB) from four marine Shewanella strains that differ in their temperature and pressure optima for growth.

The ssb gene, coding for single-stranded-DNA-binding protein (SSB), was cloned from four marine Shewanella strains that differed in their temperature and pressure optima and ranges of growth. All four Shewanella ssb genes complemented Escherichia coli ssb point and deletion mutants, with efficiencies that varied with temperature and ssb gene source. The Shewanella SSBs are the largest bacterial SSBs identified to date (24.9-26.3 kDa) and may be divided into conserved amino- and carboxy-terminal regions and a highly variable central region. Greater amino acid sequence homology was observed between the Shewanella SSBs as a group (72-87%) than with other bacterial SSBs (52-69%). Analysis of the amino acid composition of the Shewanella SSBs revealed several features that could correlate with pressure or temperature adaptation. SSBs from the three low-temperature-adapted Shewanella strains were an order of magnitude more hydrophilic than that from the mesophilic strain, and differences in the distribution of eight amino acids were identified which could contribute to either the temperature or pressure adaptation of the proteins. The SSBs from all four Shewanella strains were overproduced and partially purified based upon their ability to bind single-stranded DNA. The differences found among the Shewanella SSBs suggest that these proteins will provide a useful system for exploring the adaptation of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions at low temperature and high pressure.
EASL ... a digital computer language for "hands-on" simulation

EASL was developed to provide a simple language which would be easy to use by the occasional computer user, whether his background was analog or digital computing, and yet be powerful enough for us...
Examination of the association between syringe exchange program (SEP) dispensation policy and SEP client-level syringe coverage among injection drug users.

Aim To determine whether syringe exchange programs' (SEPs) dispensation policy is associated with syringe cover- age among SEP clients. Design Cross-sectional samples of SEPs and their clients. Setting SEPs in California, USA. Participants Twenty-four SEPs and their injection drug using (IDU) clients (n = 1576). Measurements Clients were classified as having adequate syringe coverage if they received at least as many syringes from the SEP as their self- reported injections in the last 30 days. SEPs were classified based on their syringe dispensation policy. Dispensation schemes ranging from least restrictive to most are: unlimited needs-based distribution; unlimited one-for-one exchange plus a few additional syringes; per visit limited one-for-one plus a few additional syringes; unlimited one-for-one exchange; and per visit limited one-for-one exchange. Findings Adequate syringe coverage among SEP clients by dispensation policy is as follows: unlimited needs-based distribution = 61%; unlimited one-for-one plus = 50%; limited one-for-one plus = 41%; unlimited one-for-one = 42%; and limited one-for-one = 26%. In multivariate analysis, adequate syringe coverage was significantly higher for all dispensation policies compared to per visit limited one-for- one exchange. Using propensity scoring methods, we compared syringe coverage by dispensation policies while con- trolling for client-level differences. Providing additional syringes above one-for-one exchange (50% versus 38%, P = 0.009) and unlimited exchange (42% versus 27%, P = 0.05) generally resulted in more clients having adequate syringe coverage compared to one-for-one exchange and per visit limits. Conclusion Providing less restrictive syringe dispensation is associated with increased prevalence of adequate syringe coverage among clients. SEPs should adopt syringe dispensation policies that provide IDUs sufficient syringes to attain adequate syringe coverage.
Arsenic transport by zebrafish aquaglyceroporins.

Background Arsenic is one of the most ubiquitous toxins and endangers the health of tens of millions of humans worldwide. It is a mainly a water-borne contaminant. Inorganic trivalent arsenic (AsIII) is one of the major species that exists environmentally. The transport of AsIII has been studied in microbes, plants and mammals. Members of the aquaglyceroporin family have been shown to actively conduct AsIII and its organic metabolite, monomethylarsenite (MAsIII). However, the transport of AsIII and MAsIII in in any fish species has not been characterized.
A comprehensive minimum energy routing scheme for wireless ad hoc networks

Current minimum energy routing schemes in wireless networks only consider energy consumption for transmitting data packets. However most wireless devices also transmit some control packets (such as RTS and CTS in 802.11) besides data packets. Without considering the energy consumption for control packets, the existing minimum energy routing schemes tend to use more intermediate nodes, which results in more energy consumption and less throughput. We first propose more comprehensive energy consumption models that consider the energy consumption for data packets as well as control packets. Based on these models, we propose our minimum energy routing scheme. The simulation results verify that our scheme performs better than the existing minimum energy routing schemes in terms of energy consumption as well as throughput.
Minimizing Cytosol Dilution in Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Experiments

During a conventional whole-cell patch clamp experiment, diffusible cytosolic ions or molecules absent in the pipette solution can become diluted by a factor of one million or more, leading to diminished current or fluorescent signals. Existing methods to prevent or limit cytosol diffusion include reducing the diameter of the pipette's orifice, adding cytosolic extract or physiological entities to the pipette solution, and using the perforated patch clamp configuration. The first method introduces measurement error in recorded signals from increased series resistance and the latter two are cumbersome to perform. In addition, most perforated patch configurations, prevent investigators from using test compounds in the pipette solution. We present a method to overcome these limitations by minimizing cytosol dilution using a novel pipette holder. Cell-attached configuration is obtained with the pipette filled with pipette solution. Most of the pipette solution is then replaced with mineral oil so that cytosol dilution can be minimized in whole-cell configuration. To accomplish this requires a suction line and two Ag/AgCl electrodes inside the pipette. Testing our novel pipette holder with Chinese Hamster Ovarian cells, we demonstrate cytosol dilution factors between 76 and 234. For large cells with somas greater than 40 μm, cytosol dilution factors of 10 or less are achievable.
The comparative relevance and predictive validity of subject generated trait descriptions1

Based upon the conclusion of Bern and Allen (1974) that any trait term is relevant to only a subset of people, the present study investigated the comparative relevance of common trait terms by comparing the extent to which subjects (N= 180) generated these traits as relevant self-descriptors. Each self-attributed descriptor was assigned to one of the 45 categories of trait terms in the preliminary trait taxonomy developed by Layman and McDonald (Goldberg, 1975, 1976). The proportion of subjects employing terms in each category ranged from .00 (simple-intricate; inarticulate-articulate; men) to .72 (reclusive-gregarious; women). The predictive validity of subjects' self-descriptions was shown for one of these trait categories (dominance). Subjects (N= 62) were grouped according to whether they described themselves as dominant (N= 19), reserved (N= 20), or did not employ a term in the dominance category in their self-description (N= 23). The dominance behavior of subjects was rated in a “typical” group situation (no instructions given) and a “maximal” group situation (subjects told to be as dominant as possible). Significant group (p < .001) and situation effects (p < .001) resulted. The mean rating of the dominant group was significantly larger than that of the reserved group in both the typical and maximal situations. The trait irrelevant group showed situational variability by acting similar to the reserved group in the typical situation and the dominant group in the maximal situation. Results were discussed in terms of the importance of personality researchers being selective in the traits they investigate or the samples employed in these investigations.
Detection of a transient R292K mutation in Influenza A/H3N2 viruses shed for several weeks by an immunocompromised patient

We describe the case of an immunocompromised patient, positive for influenza A virus (H3N2), in whom the neuraminidase R292K mutation was transiently detected during oseltamivir treatment. The R292K mutation was identified by direct testing in 3 of 11 respiratory specimens collected throughout the patient's illness but in none of the cultures from those specimens.
Elucidating Amyloid β-Protein Folding and Assembly: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Oligomeric, neurotoxic amyloid protein assemblies are thought to be causative agents in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Development of oligomer-specific therapeutic agents requires a mechanistic understanding of the oligomerization process. This is a daunting task because amyloidogenic protein oligomers often are metastable and comprise structurally heterogeneous populations in equilibrium with monomers and fibrils. A single methodological approach cannot elucidate the entire protein assembly process. An integrated multidisciplinary program is required. We discuss here the synergistic application of in hydro, in vacuo, and in silico methods to the study of the amyloid β-protein, the key pathogenetic agent in Alzheimer's disease.
Systematic review of structural interventions for intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries: organizing evidence for prevention

Background Despite growing attention to intimate partner violence (IPV) globally, systematic evaluation of evidence for IPV prevention remains limited. This particularly is true in relation to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where researchers often organize evidence by current interventions strategies rather than comprehensive models of IPV. Applying the concept of structural interventions to IPV, we systematically reviewed the quantitative impact of such interventions for prevention of male-to-female IPV in LMIC in order to (a) highlight current opportunities for IPV research and programming and (b) demonstrate how structural interventions may provide an organizing framework through which to build an evidence base for IPV prevention.
Strategizing EHR use to achieve patient-centered care in exam rooms: a qualitative study on primary care providers.

Objective Electronic health records (EHRs) have great potential to improve quality of care. However, their use may diminish “patient-centeredness” in exam rooms by distracting the healthcare provider from focusing on direct patient interaction. The authors conducted a qualitative interview study to understand the magnitude of this issue, and the strategies that primary care providers devised to mitigate the unintended adverse effect associated with EHR use. Methods and Materials Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 healthcare providers at 4 Veterans Affairs (VAs) outpatient primary care clinics in San Diego County. Data analysis was performed using the grounded theory approach. Results The results show that providers face demands from both patients and the EHR system. To cope with these demands, and to provide patient-centered care, providers attempt to perform EHR work outside of patient encounters and create templates to streamline documentation work. Providers also attempt to use the EHR to engage patients, establish patient buy-in for EHR use, and multitask between communicating with patients and using the EHR. Discussion and Conclusion This study has uncovered the challenges that primary care providers face in integrating the EHR into their work practice, and the strategies they use to overcome these challenges in order to maintain patient-centered care. These findings illuminate the importance of developing “best” practices to improve patient-centered care in today’s highly “wired” health environment. These findings also show that more user-centered EHR design is needed to improve system usability.
The Greening of Data Centers with Cloud Technology

This article presents a decision support system to provide green or energy efficient solutions for data centers that maintain computers and peripherals to serve organizations. Traditionally, data centers catered to all operations using in-house servers. Cloud technology provides alternatives to outsource operations heading towards greenness. However, using cloud services for all data center operations may have its pitfalls. In this paper, the authors analyze various data center parameters such as carbon footprint and power usage effectiveness along with cloud-based and server-based models. They consider data mining techniques of decision trees and case based reasoning in their work. Among other findings, they head towards a hybrid model that meets the demands of productivity, energy efficiency and related factors. These findings lead to the development of the decision support system. The authors describe the research, development and evaluation of the system. They conclude with important outcomes deployed in real-world scenarios in data center management.
Abdominal vagotomy dissociates the anorectic mechanisms for peripheral serotonin and cholecystokinin

These studies compared the effects of total abdominal vagotomy (VGX) on ingestive actions produced by peripheral serotonergic and cholecystokinergic (CCKergic) stimulation in rats. Subcutaneous injection of 0.01-0.16 mumol/kg of the serotonin (5-HT) analogue 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) dose-dependently reduced mash intake equally in VGX rats and their laparotomized (LAP) controls but concurrently stimulated drinking only in the controls. The sulfated octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8, 4.0 nmol/kg ip) also reduced food intake only in the controls. In a second set of rats, vagotomy did not alter anorexia after intraperitoneal administration of either 2.0 or 8.0 mumol/kg of 5-HT or of 0.03 mumol/kg of 5-CT but abolished anorexia after a large dose of CCK-8 (8.0 nmol/kg). The completeness of vagotomy was verified histologically by immunohistochemical staining of the vagal bundles for the high molecular weight form of neurofilament-H protein. We report for the first time that 5-CT produces anorexia by a vagally independent mechanism. In contrast, 5-CT stimulates drinking by a pathway that does involve vagal function. Finally, we confirm the prediction that vagotomy dissociates the neural mechanisms for the anorectic action of peripheral 5-HTergic and CCKergic stimulation.
Phylogenomics of ‘Discosea’: A new molecular phylogenetic perspective on Amoebozoa with flat body forms

The majority of amoeboid lineages with flattened body forms are placed under a taxonomic hypothetical class 'Discosea' sensu Smirnov et al. (2011), which encompasses some of the most diverse morphs within Amoebozoa. However, its taxonomy and phylogeny is poorly understood. This is partly due to lack of support in studies that are based on limited gene sampling. In this study we use a phylogenomic approach including newly-generated RNA-Seq data and comprehensive taxon sampling to resolve the phylogeny of 'Discosea'. Our analysis included representatives from all orders of 'Discosea' and up to 550 genes, the largest gene sampling in Amoebozoa to date. We conducted extensive analyses to assess the robustness of our resulting phylogenies to effects of missing data and outgroup choice using probabilistic methods. All of our analyses, which explore the impact of varying amounts of missing data, consistently recover well-resolved and supported groups of Amoebozoa. Our results neither support the monophyly nor dichotomy of 'Discosea' as defined by Smirnov et al. (2011). Rather, we recover a robust well-resolved clade referred to as Eudiscosea encompassing the majority of discosean orders (seven of the nine studied here), while the Dactylopodida, Thecamoebida and Himatismenida, previously included in 'Discosea,' are non-monophyletic. We also recover novel relationships within the Eudiscosea that are largely congruent with morphology. Our analyses enabled us to place some incertae sedis lineages and previously unstable lineages such as Vermistella, Mayorella, Gocevia, and Stereomyxa. We recommend some phylogeny-based taxonomic amendments highlighting the new findings of this study and discuss the evolution of the group based on our current understanding.
The influence of age on the symptoms following thyro-parathyroidectomy

With regard to the question as to whether the thryoid and parathyroid glands become less and less essential to the organism as age advances there is some difference of opinion. Vincent and Jolly1 found that in the various species of animals which they used (cats, dogs, foxes, monkeys, rats, guinea-pigs, rabbits), the symptoms following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy were not influenced, to any extent, by age or sex. In the case of dogs the writer can corroborate this statement, but it appears to be otherwise in the sheep, as the following account of experiments on this animal will show.In the course of another investigation2 the thyroids were completely removed from eighteen lambs, from seven to eight months old, and twelve adult sheep, without, in the course of the six months which intervened between the operation and their slaughter, any apparent ill effects. There was no falling out of the wool, nor any of the other symptoms of myxœdema supposed to be associated with complete thyroidectomy, and se...
Experimental studies with a new species of Stigmatomyces (Laboulbeniales).

Stigmatomyces ceratophorus on Fannia canicularis appears to be a most likely combination for experimental studies in the Laboulbeniales. The host is relatively easy to maintain in the laboratory an...
Short-term recovery of the grasshopper communities (Orthoptera: Acrididae) of a California native grassland after prescribed burning

A California native grassland was sampled to describe recovery of grasshopper communities after prescribed spring burning. Grasshopper density and grasshopper biomass were significantly reduced by spring burning both the year of the burn (1993) and the subsequent year (1994). Grasshopper density and grasshopper biomass appeared to stabilize 2 yr after a burn (1995). Immediately after burning, grasshopper diversity was higher because of a reduction in the dominance of the migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.), and a relative increase in the number of Oedipodinae species, which prefer sparsely vegetated areas. Time since burning had no effect on grasshopper diversity 1 or 2 yr after burning. Burning significantly reduced the cover of exotic grasses and increased the cover of bare ground 1 yr after a burn. Grasshopper density was positively related to forb cover 1 yr after burning. Prescribed spring burning reduces grasshopper density and grasshopper biomass and likely increases grasshopper diversity.
Philosophy for physicists

The 20th-century philosopher Wilfrid Sellars characterized the aim of philosophy as "to understand how things in the broadest possible sense of the term hang together in the broadest possible sense of the term." This is also physicist Sean Carroll's aim in his new book, The Big Picture. He sets out to show how various phenomena, including thought, choice, conscioussness, and value, hang together with the scientific account of reality that has been developed in physics in the past 100 years. He attempts to do all this without relying on specialized jargon from philosophy and physics, and succeeds spectacularly in achieving both aims.
A Cluster of CNS Infections Due to B. cereus in the Setting of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Neuropathology in 5 Patients

Bacillus cereus typically causes a self-limited foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) illness. Severe invasive infection occurs rarely, mainly among immunocompromised hosts. We describe a cluster of B. cereus infections among 5 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The initial case presented with occipital lobe abscess and was found on biopsy to have organisms consistent with Bacillus species. Within 1 week, a second patient died of fulminant brain swelling and hemorrhage. Neuropathologic autopsy and culture revealed B. cereus; hospital infection control and public health officials were notified. Three more patients died within the subsequent 9 months (2 patients had rapid massive hemorrhage and many bacilli reminiscent of Bacillus anthracis infection, and 1 patient had sparse bacilli, petechial hemorrhages, and border zone infarcts). Blood cultures yielded positive results in 3 of 5 cases. A possible route of infection was hematogenous dissemination via GI mucosal breaches (GI symptoms occurred in 3 of 5 cases, and postmortem GI ulceration was found in 3 of 4 cases). Bacilli were seen in 2 of 3 GI ulcerations. Epidemiologic work-up, including a site visit conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, did not identify a clear common source but suggested the possibility of bananas as a food source. Bacillus cereus causes a rapidly progressive, hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis with high mortality among patients with neutropenia. Neuropathologists can play a key role in the detection of outbreaks.
Evaluating the value of genomic diagnostics: implications for clinical practice and public policy.

An important current trend in health care is the move toward personalized medicine. Personalized medicine includes diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, with risk defined through genetics. The key paradigm shift brought about by the advent of personalized medicine is the increased use of in vitro genomic diagnostics. These tests offer the potential of being able to predict which patients are likely to respond to a particular drug, or which patients are likely to develop adverse reactions to a drug. The focus of this paper is the use of genomic diagnostics, and how the increasing development and translation into clinical practice of diagnostic – drug combination products will be adopted into health care delivery. The meaning of value and how to measure it is considered from different perspectives. A novel framework for evaluating the value of genomic diagnostics is proposed. Finally, the implications for regulatory approval and policy are discussed using an illustrative case study.
The impact of mild renal dysfunction on postoperative mortality in the surgical intensive care unit.

The negative impact of mild to moderate renal dysfunction on patient outcome is often underestimated. Any amount of renal dysfunction is deleterious in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). We evaluated all surgery patients admitted to our SICU. We identified two groups of patients: no renal failure and acute renal failure. A total of 5152 patients were included in this study. There were 1259 patients in the acute renal failure group. The average number of ventilator days increased by 2.2 for every increase of creatinine by 1.0. Patients who required dialysis stayed an average of 11 days longer than patients who did not have any renal failure. For every increase of creatinine by 1.0, average cost increased by $23,048. Only 7 per cent of the patients with acute renal failure required dialysis (n = 85). The odds ratio for mortality compared with those patients without renal failure was 7.06 (confidence interval, 3.91-12.76) regardless of the definition of renal failure. This study demonstrates that even mild to moderate renal failure increases mortality. Moreover, we demonstrated that even a mild decline in renal function increases length of stay, ventilator days, and cost in patients in the SICU. Aggressive vigilance in the prevention of any loss of renal function is warranted in the SICU.
The Impact of US Drone Strikes on Terrorism in Pakistan

This study analyzes the effects of US drone strikes on terrorism in Pakistan. We find that drone strikes are associated with decreases in the incidence and lethality of terrorist attacks, as well as decreases in selective targeting of tribal elders. This matters for key ongoing debates. Some suggest that drone strikes anger Muslim populations and that consequent blowback facilitates recruitment and incites Islamist terrorism. Others argue that drone strikes disrupt and degrade terrorist organizations, reducing their ability to conduct attacks. We use detailed data on US drone strikes and terrorism in Pakistan from 2007–2011 to test each theory’s implications. The available data do not enable us to evaluate if drone strikes resulted in increased recruitment, but the data do allow us to examine if these strikes resulted in changes in terrorist activities. While our findings do not suggest long-term effects, the results still lend some credence to the argument that drone strikes, while unpopular, bolster US counterterrorism efforts in Pakistan.
Waste Not, Want Not? Investigating Economic Frameworks of Garbage as a Medium in Contemporary Mozambican Urban Art

This article investigates the economic frameworks of garbage as an art medium. Using art made from recycled materials as a tool, individual case studies of contemporary Mozambican urban artists are presented to explore how and why these artists use recyclia to create distinctly Mozambican art. This examination foregrounds economic issues associated with artistic practices, including implications for financial stability, commercial aspects, and the ways in which intrinsic value and meanings become associated with debris as it is transformed into art. Analyses of artists who come from vastly different social, economic, and educational backgrounds will provide a glimpse into the profitability of detritus as an artistic medium in Mozambique.
Complex Spatiotemporal Evolution of the 2008 Mw 4.9 Mogul Earthquake Swarm (Reno, Nevada): Interplay of Fluid and Faulting

After approximately two months of swarm-like earthquakes in the Mogul neighborhood of west Reno, NV, seismicity rates and event magnitudes increased over several days culminating in an Mw 4.9 dextral strike-slip earthquake on 26 April 2008. Although very shallow, the Mw 4.9 mainshock had a different sense of slip than locally mapped dip-slip surface faults. We relocate 7,549 earthquakes, calculate 1,082 focal mechanisms, and statistically cluster the relocated earthquake catalog to understand the character and interaction of active structures throughout the Mogul, NV earthquake sequence. Rapid temporary instrument deployment provides high-resolution coverage of microseismicity, enabling a detailed analysis of swarm behavior and faulting geometry. Relocations reveal an internally clustered sequence in which foreshocks evolved on multiple structures surrounding the eventual mainshock rupture. The relocated seismicity defines a fault-fracture mesh and detailed fault structure from approximately 2-6 km depth on the previously unknown Mogul fault that may be an evolving incipient strike-slip fault zone. The seismicity volume expands before the mainshock, consistent with pore-pressure diffusion, and the aftershock volume is much larger than is typical for an Mw 4.9 earthquake. We group events into clusters using space-time-magnitude nearest-neighbor distances between events and develop a cluster criterion through randomization of the relocated catalog. Identified clusters are largely mainshock-aftershock sequences, without evidence for migration, occurring within the diffuse background seismicity. The migration rate of the largest foreshock cluster and simultaneous background events is consistent with it having triggered, or having been triggered by, an aseismic slip event.
Electronic cigarette and marijuana use among youth in the United States.

Abstract Background There are growing concerns over the high rate of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and decreases in perceived harm of marijuana use among youth. We seek to identify risk factors associated with e-cigarette and marijuana use among U.S. middle and high school students. Methods Estimates of e-cigarette use only, marijuana use only, dual use of both substances as well as frequency of substance use were calculated for 8th, 10th and 12th grades with the typical age of 13, 15, 17 years old respectively by using the 2014 Monitoring the Future survey (n = 16,184). Results Overall, 7.9% of students only used e-cigarettes, 9.3% of students only used marijuana, and 6.6% of students used both e-cigarettes and marijuana in the last 30 days. E-cigarette use only was most prevalent among 8th and 10th graders while marijuana use only was most prevalent among 12th graders. The dual use of e-cigarettes and marijuana rapidly increased from 8th graders (2.6%) to 10th graders (7.3%) and maintained a high level for 12th graders (8.5%). Students' sociodemographic factors, school performance and work intensity were associated with e-cigarette and marijuana use in the multivariate analysis. Being a dual user of e-cigarettes and marijuana was associated with increased risk of a medium level or a high level of e-cigarette use and a medium level of marijuana use Conclusions This study raised the possibility that youth start to use e-cigarettes at an earlier age and then progress to other substances. Education campaigns with tailored messages to prevent youth from vaping and drug use are critically needed.
Myelopathy in Pediatric Blau Syndrome

Blau syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disorder within the group of pediatric granulomatous diseases. Mutations in nucleotide binding oligomerization domain 2 are responsible for this condition, which has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and variable expressivity.
Thermal etching of β Ti-V alloys

Abstract This paper describes the thermal etching of β-Ti-V alloys by annealing in vacuum at 900°C. The thermal-etch pits and facets are correlated with dislocations. Using crystals of known orientation it has been determined that the facets consist of either {100}, {110}, or {112} planes and that the morphology of the pits depends on the surface orientation.
Microwave sensing of moisture in flowing biomass pellets

Production of pelleted biomass for fuel is an emerging industry in the United States. Moisture content is a primary quality attribute of pelleted biomass materials because it is critical in binding, storage, combustion, and the pricing of pelleted biomass. To produce pellets of high quality, moisture content must be tightly controlled. A microwave system was designed for moisture sensing in flowing bulk material and used to determine feasibility of sensing moisture content in pelleted biomass from measurement of the dielectric properties at microwave frequencies. Samples of pelleted biomass derived from peanut hulls and pine sawdust were used for moisture content determination. Moisture contents of pine sawdust pellets ranged from 5.4%–9.9% (wet basis), and the range for peanut hull pellets was 8.9%–14.5%. At each moisture content, three different material flow rates were tested, and moisture content predictions were compared to those obtained with static measurement. Moisture content of flowing material was predicted by using a permittivity-based density-independent moisture calibration function. Root-mean-square deviations were computed for comparisons between reference moisture content, and predicted moisture contents for both static and flowing materials. Results showed that predicted moisture contents under static and flowing conditions were comparable.
TraSeer: A visual analytics tool for vessel movements in the coastal areas

Vessel movement analysis can reveal offshore shipment activities, such as the workload of sea lines and abnormal movement paths. Discovery of vessel movement information can assist decision makers in understanding trends and identifying patterns. In our work, we propose a trajectory visual analytics tool, TraSeer, to allow users to interactively analyze vessel movements. TraSeer summarizes vessel movement trends and detects anomalous movement paths. Also, TraSeer can integrate external data sources for coastal security analysis. Finally, we provide case studies to highlight the effectiveness of TraSeer in vessel movement pattern detection and latent illegal activity discovery.
Elliptic Curves and Three-Dimensional Flow Patterns

This paper is concerned with the geometry of flow patterns inthe classical problem of an impulsely-started, incompressible,axisymmetric, laminar jet generated by a point force. The second andthird invariants of the velocity gradient tensor, evaluated at criticalpoints in the jet, describe the fundamental dependence of the flow onthe jet Reynolds number. As the Reynolds number is increased from zeroto infinity, the critical points follow elliptic curves in the space ofinvariants and rational roots occur at bifurcation points in this space.The corresponding invariants of the acceleration gradient tensor traceout a trajectory with infinitely many, densely spaced rational roots.The results provide new insight into the viscous and pressure forceswhich act in the jet and the balance between strain and rotation whichleads to the onset of a starting vortex.
Origin of Megaphytoclast Concentrations In Coarse-Grained Turbidites, Cretaceous of Northern California

Coarse-grained, medium- to thick-bedded turbidites in the Franciscan Complex contain carbonized plant debris concentrated in the upper parts of some of the beds. These concentrations typically occur at the top of a thick, graded to massive sand subdivision, and may be covered by a thin, parallel-laminated silt or silty sand subdivision. Plant fragments are usually angular, vary greatly in size and shape, and do not display obvious signs of current orientation. The largest fragments (> 1 cm in longest dimension) are here termed megaphytoclasts. Accumulations of plant debris in sandy turbidites suggest a complex interaction of water currents with heterogeneous sediment loads in high-concentration turbidity currents. Phytoclast lamina probably are formed by hydrofoil stripping, in which plant fragments are wafted out of sediment gravity flows by currents moving forward and upward through the head regions of the flows, followed immediately by settling of the fragments directly onto newly deposited carpets of turbidite sand. Phytoclast concentrations formed in this way may be buried by fine-grained sediment in the last stage of turbidite emplacement, or plant material may accumulate without further clastic deposition resulting in lamina of deepsea terrigenous coal.
From discovery of the CHOP axis and targeting ClpP to the identification of additional axes of the UPRmt driven by the estrogen receptor and SIRT3

The mitochondrial UPR (UPRmt) is rapidly gaining attention. While most studies on the UPRmt have focused on its role in aging, emerging studies suggest an important role of the UPRmt in cancer. Further, several of the players of the UPRmt in mammalian cells have well reported roles in the maintenance of the organelle. The goal of this review is to emphasize aspects of the UPRmt that have been overlooked in the current literature, describe the role of specific players of the UPRmt in the biology of the mitochondria and highlight the intriguing possibility that targeting the UPRmt in cancer may be already within reach.
Accounting for variable recruitment and fishing mortality in length-based stock assessments for data-limited fisheries

In fisheries with limited capacity for monitoring, it is often easier to collect length measurements from fishery catch than quantify total catch. Conventional stock assessment tools that rely on l...
Women's Health Curriculum for Medical Students.

OBJECTIVES Knowledge of women's health is important for physicians in various specialties, but training often is inadequate. The objective of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a women's health curriculum for medical students at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. METHODS After reviewing previous pertinent literature and assessing institutional factors, we developed an interdisciplinary women's health elective for medical students. We present the curricular design for the course. The 2-week elective explores women's health topics such as disease prevention, screening, breast health, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular health. Teaching methodology includes case-based lectures, reading assignments, and clinic sessions at multiple sites. RESULTS Senior medical students worked in a variety of clinical settings and were assigned a women's health project, a pretest before starting the elective, and a posttest after completion of the course. A statistically significant increase was seen in the students' mean posttest (98.8%) versus pretest (85.6%) scores (difference 13.1%; 95% confidence interval 7.3-19.0, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Designing curricula that promote lifelong professional competency in the field of women's health can be challenging. At the University of Florida, we have successfully created and implemented a medical student elective in women's health using local resources and expertise. This elective satisfies important women's health training requirements, has been well received by our students, and has resulted in increased women's health-specific knowledge. The experience at our institution may be useful for other programs interested in developing a women's health curriculum geared toward medical students utilizing minimal resources.
The Impact of Distribution Channel Decisions and Repeated Stockouts on Manufacturer and Retailer Performance

Product availability is a critical aspect of customer service for retailers and manufacturers. When product is out of stock (OOS), both retailers and manufacturers may suffer depending on the demand-side characteristics, such as whether consumers are more loyal to the store or the brand. While both retailers and manufacturers contribute to OOS situations, the supply-side characteristics, such as whether the retailer or manufacturer is responsible for in-store fulfillment [i.e., traditional versus direct store delivery (DSD) distribution], may impact OOS performance. DSD involves the manufacturer bypassing the retailer's distribution center and delivering product directly to the retailer's individual stores. This paper considers demand- and supply-side issues simultaneously to determine the implications of stockouts for both retailers and manufacturers using an agent-based simulation. An agent-based simulation allows for consideration of these issues under repeated OOS situations to determine the overall impact to retailer and manufacturer performance.
Stress and immune defense.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the simplistic nature of the phrase “stress suppresses immunity” and also discusses the way in which stress alters immunocompetence. A consideration of the words “stress” and “immunocompetence” shows that these terms can be twisted to serve any purpose. Progress in this field requires precise functional definitions of stress and immunocompetence with an appreciation of the multifactorial and nonlinear nature of these subjects. For example, the stress-response suppresses particular immunological mechanisms while enhancing others. Stress that can be immunosuppressive in the short term can also enhance immunological reactivity in the long term. It is hypothesized that these immunological mechanisms have differential costs and benefits and that these shifts enhance survival based on energetic considerations. The chapter highlights certain aspects of the relationship between stress and the vertebrate immune system that cause generalizations to be biologically simplistic. A synthesis based on energetic considerations that may provide a framework for understanding the adaptive significance of this phenomenon is discussed in the chapter.
The Organizational Context of Teaching and Learning

Sociologists have a predilection for the collective. We are centrally concerned with social facts, characteristics of collectivities that give shape and motivation to individual action. So­ ciological research on schooling shares this interest in the collective. School resources, com­ position, climate, leadership, and governance, all collective attributes of schools, are often looked to as sources of influence on the outcomes of schooling for individual students. Yet the study of school organization is marked more by failure than by success. It is especially significant that the most important contribution by sociologists to research on school­ ing—the famous Coleman Report of 1966—is also the most spectacular failure to connect the collective with the individual in an educational setting. Variation in school conditions was largely unrelated to differences in student outcomes, as school-level effects were dwarfed by the powerful influence of the home environment for student learning. Though policymakers drew implications from the positive impact on learning of the proportion of White students in a school, the effect of racial composition was small compared to the great importance of individual family background factors. This pattern of results, emphasizing the individual over
Performance Improvement by Customization

The chapter focuses on design methods for optimizing system performance by customizing the architecture to the application’s requirements. The basic concepts are illustrated by examples that employ PSoC’s digital programmable and customized blocks.