cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do seasonal patterns of rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) and black racer (Coluber constrictor) activity predict avian nest predation

Avian nest success often varies seasonally and because predation is the primary cause of nest failure, seasonal variation in predator activity has been hypothesized to explain seasonal variation in nest success. Despite the fact that nest predator communities are often diverse, recent evidence from studies of snakes that are nest predators has lent some support to the link between snake activity and nest predation. However, the strength of the relationship has varied among studies. Explaining this variation is difficult, because none of these studies directly identified nest predators, the link between predator activity and nest survival was inferred. To address this knowledge gap, we examined seasonal variation in daily survival rates of 463 bird nests (of 17 bird species) and used cameras to document predator identity at 137 nests. We simultaneously quantified seasonal activity patterns of two local snake species (N = 30 individuals) using manual (2136 snake locations) and automated (89,165 movements detected) radiotelemetry. Rat snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus), the dominant snake predator at the site (~28% of observed nest predations), were most active in late May and early June, a pattern reported elsewhere for this species. When analyzing all monitored nests, we found no link between nest predation and seasonal activity of rat snakes. When analyzing only nests with known predator identities (filmed nests), however, we found that rat snakes were more likely to prey on nests during periods when they were moving the greatest distances. Similarly, analyses of all monitored nests indicated that nest survival was not linked to racer activity patterns, but racer-specific predation (N = 17 nests) of filmed nests was higher when racers were moving the greatest distances. Our results suggest that the activity of predators may be associated with higher predation rates by those predators, but that those effects can be difficult to detect when nest predator communities are diverse and predator identities are not known. Additionally, our results suggest that hand-tracking of snakes provides a reliable indicator of predator activity that may be more indicative of foraging behavior than movement frequency provided by automated telemetry systems.
Prayer and pedagogy: Redefining education among Salafist Muslim women in France

AbstractThis article draws on participant observation in a working-class Salafist women’s mosque community outside of Lyon. A decade after the headscarf ban in public schools, public hostility and aggression against Salafist women is rampant. As they remain estranged from the secular educational system, prayer and Islamic education have come to serve as an important substitute. Prayer is defined expansively as recitation, supplication, and the effort to strengthen one’s attachment to God. I argue that Salafist women are developing their own pedagogy and learning to question the meaning and purpose of knowledge itself. They do this through their study circles in which they share prayers and have conversations about doubt, forgiveness, and wisdom. The struggles and reflection their study requires are in contrast to depictions of Islamic education as merely mechanical and stifling. Further, their education shares similarities with critical pedagogy in its religious critique of capitalist culture. The paper a...
Integrated exposure-monitoring

This paper outlines briefly the history of radiation protection, touches on some of the early incidents of overexposure, describes monitoring (detection and measurement) methods and the development of standards for health protection, and compares the monitoring of radioactive materials to that of nonradioactive toxic chemicals. The authors suggest that the lessons learned from the radiation experience will be helpful in dealing with the current problems of hazardous chemicals. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** AZ802019 00005
n-Butanol partitioning into phase-separated heterogeneous lipid monolayers.

Cellular adaptation to elevated alcohol concentration involves altering membrane lipid composition to counteract fluidization. However, few studies have examined the biophysical response of biologically relevant heterogeneous membranes. Lipid phase behavior, molecular packing, and elasticity have been examined by surface pressure–area (π–A) analysis in mixed monolayers composed of saturated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and unsaturated dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) as a function of DOPC and n-butanol concentration. n-Butanol partitioning into DPPC monolayers led to lipid expansion and increased elasticity. Greater lipid expansion occurred with increasing DOPC concentration, and a maximum was observed at equimolar DPPC:DOPC consistent with n-butanol partitioning between coexisting liquid expanded (LE, DOPC) phases and liquid condensed (LC, DPPC) domains. This led to distinct changes in the size and morphology of LC domains. In DOPC-rich monolayers the effect of n-butanol adsorption on π–A beha...
Transition rates for a S >= 1 spin model coupled to a d-dimensional phonon bath

We consider a $S\ensuremath{\ge}1$ spin model (or a generalized Blume\char21{}Capel model) weakly coupled to a $d$-dimensional phonon bath and investigate transition rates between different spin configurations. This study is motivated by understanding magnetization relaxation as a function of temperature in diverse magnetic systems such as arrays of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic molecules. We assume that the magnetization of the spin system relaxes through consecutive emission or absorption of a single phonon. From a weak, linear spin-phonon coupling Hamiltonian, we derive transition rates that would be used to examine dynamic properties of the system in kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Although the derived phonon-assisted transition rates satisfy detailed balance, in the case of two- and three-dimensional phonon baths, transitions between degenerate states are not allowed. (This is a major difference of the phonon-assisted transition rates from the Metropolis and Glauber transition rates.) Thus, if there are no alternative paths along which the spin system can relax, the relaxation time diverges. Otherwise, the system finds other paths, which leads to an increase in the relaxation time and energy barrier. However, when higher-order phonon processes are included in the transition rates, it is found that the system can reach the states which were inaccessible due to the forbidden transitions. As a result, the system recovers some of the dynamic properties obtained using the Glauber transition rate.
Temporalidade e política na literatura apocalíptica judaica

Existem dois tipos de textos apocalipticos: os de orientacao historica que descrevem um julgamento de proporcoes cosmicas (Daniel, por exemplo) e as viagens celestiais que se centram no destino da alma apos a morte (2 Enoch ou 3 Baruch). Este artigo se concentrara na investigacao dos apocalipses historico/cosmicos, primariamente nos textos judaicos, mas tambem no Livro de Apocalipse, que tem raizes judaicas profundas e obvias.
Screening, Newborn, and Maternal Well-Being

Newborn screening historically incorporated tests for the major genetic, congenital, endocrinologic, metabolic, and hematologic conditions. Increased appreciation of the functional complexity of newborns and families has resulted in an expansion of newborn screening to include mothers' medical, social, and emotional health, newborn infants' comprehensive sensory, neurologic, neurobehavioral, and social interactive adaptive competencies, as well as environmental safety of mother and infant. Universal and comprehensive screening is a societal, political, and economic responsibility and opportunity. Prevention and early treatment are critical for the future of a thriving nation.
Factors Affecting Scour of Previously Captured Sediment from Stormwater Catchbasin Sumps

The sediment-retaining performance in conventional catchbasin sumps has been reported to be in the wide range between 14 and 99% (Metcalf & Eddy 1977); obvious…
The Role of Gender in Young Children’s Selective Trust of Familiar STEM Characters

ABSTRACTFemale characters are less likely to engage with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content than male characters on young children’s television shows. The current study examined how preschool-aged children’s selective trust of male and female characters to teach STEM differed by child gender, and how trust relates to children’s character identification. Forty-eight 3- to 6-year-old children’s selective trust of male and female characters to teach STEM content, gendered character identification, and personal interest in STEM activities was measured. Boys and girls had similar interest in STEM and had greater identification with same-gender characters. Although boys had significantly greater trust in male characters, girls had similar levels of trust in male and female characters. Overall, children had greater trust of male characters to teach STEM content, but this effect was driven by boys, indicating identification and selective trust are related, but not identical constructs. The ...
Fast segmentation of 3D point clouds: A paradigm on LiDAR data for autonomous vehicle applications

The recent activity in the area of autonomous vehicle navigation has initiated a series of reactions that stirred the automobile industry, pushing for the fast commercialization of this technology which, until recently, seemed futuristic. The LiDAR sensor is able to provide a detailed understanding of the environment surrounding the vehicle making it useful in a plethora of autonomous driving scenarios. Segmenting the 3D point cloud that is provided by modern LiDAR sensors, is the first important step towards the situational assessment pipeline that aims for the safety of the passengers. This step needs to provide accurate segmentation of the ground surface and the obstacles in the vehicle's path, and to process each point cloud in real time. The proposed pipeline aims to solve the problem of 3D point cloud segmentation for data received from a LiDAR in a fast and low complexity manner that targets real world applications. The two-step algorithm first extracts the ground surface in an iterative fashion using deterministically assigned seed points, and then clusters the remaining non-ground points taking advantage of the structure of the LiDAR point cloud. Our proposed algorithms outperform similar approaches in running time, while producing similar results and support the validity of this pipeline as a segmentation tool for real world applications.
Multiple pollutants, co-benefits, and suboptimal environmental policies

Abstract In our analytical general equilibrium model, polluting inputs can be substitutes or complements. We study a tax increase on one pollutant where the other faces a tax or permit policy. Our solutions highlight key parameters and welfare effects with gains from abatement plus positive or negative co-benefits from other pollutants in the covered and uncovered sectors. We demonstrate several ways taxes and permits differ. First, the change in taxed pollutant depends on whether the other pollutant faces a tax or permit policy. Also, only with a tax on the other pollutant can a co-benefit arise. The sign of co-benefits depends on the sign of cross-price elasticities and on whether the other pollutant's price is above or below marginal damages. Finally, the other pollutant's tax or permit policy also affects emissions in the uncovered sector (leakage). In a numerical illustration of carbon tax in U.S. electricity, we calculate emissions of CO2 and SO2 in both sectors. For plausible parameters, co-benefits are larger than direct
Buckling Instabilities in Polymer Brush Surfaces via Postpolymerization Modification

We report a simple route to engineer ultrathin polymer brush surfaces with wrinkled morphologies using postpolymerization modification (PPM), where the length scale of the buckled features can be tuned from hundreds of nanometers to one micrometer using PPM reaction time. We show that partial cross-linking of the outer layer of the polymer brush under poor solvent conditions is critical to obtain wrinkled morphologies upon swelling. Characterization of the PPM kinetics and swelling behavior via ellipsometry and the through thickness composition profile via time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) provided key insight into parameters influencing the buckling behavior.
Usability Evaluation of Electronic Health Record System around Clinical Notes Usage–An Ethnographic Study

Background A substantial gap exists between current Electronic Health Record (EHR) usability and potential optimal usability. One of the fundamental reasons for this discrepancy is poor incorporation of a User-Centered Design (UCD) approach during the Graphical User Interface (GUI) development process. Objective To evaluate usability strengths and weaknesses of two widely implemented EHR GUIs for critical clinical notes usage tasks. Methods Twelve Internal Medicine resident physicians interacting with one of the two EHR systems (System-1 at Location-A and System-2 at Location-B) were observed by two usability evaluators employing an ethnographic approach. User comments and observer findings were analyzed for two critical tasks: (1) clinical notes entry and (2) related information-seeking tasks. Data were analyzed from two standpoints: (1) usability references categorized by usability evaluators as positive, negative, or equivocal and (2) usability impact of each feature measured through a 7-point severity rating scale. Findings were also validated by user responses to a post observation questionnaire. Results For clinical notes entry, System-1 surpassed System-2 with more positive (26% vs. 12%) than negative (12% vs. 34%) usability references. Greatest impact features on EHR usability (severity score pertaining to each feature) for clinical notes entry were: autopopulation (6), screen options (5.5), communication (5), copy pasting (4.5), error prevention (4.5), edit ability (4), and dictation and transcription (3.5). Both systems performed equally well on information-seeking tasks and features with greatest impacts on EHR usability were navigation for notes (7) and others (e.g., looking for ancillary data; 5.5). Ethnographic observations were supported by follow-up questionnaire responses. Conclusion This study provides usability-specific insights to inform future, improved, EHR interface that is better aligned with UCD approach.
Supramolecular Organization and Substrate Channelling in the Mammalian Translation System

The protein biosynthetic machinery, consisting of numerous protein and nucleic acid components, is among the most complex systems in the mammalian cell (reviewed in Merrick & Hershey, 1996). Much of what we know about the mechanism of translation and of the macromolecules involved in the process has come from extensive purification and reconstitution of the system in vitro. However, until recently, relatively little attention has been given to how these several hundred macromolecules interact and function within the environment of the cell. Nevertheless, the in vitro studies have been invaluable for identifying components required for the translation process and for elucidating their likely mode of action.
Cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit A (PRKACA): the expected, the unexpected, and what might be next

Protein kinase A (PKA) or cyclic-AMP (cAMP)-dependent kinase was among the first serine-threonine kinases to be molecularly and functionally characterized. For years, it was investigated as the enzyme that mediates cAMP functions in almost all cell systems and organisms studied to date. Despite PKA's critical role in signaling and the long history of investigations of cAMP in oncogenesis (dating back to the 1970s), it was not until relatively recently that PKA defects were found to be directly involved in tumor predisposition. First, PKA's main regulatory subunit, PRKAR1A, was found to be mutated in Carney complex, a genetic syndrome that predisposes to heart tumors (cardiac myxomas) and a variety of other lesions of the endocrine system, including the adrenal cortex, and several cancers, including liver carcinoma. Then, PKA's main catalytic subunit, PRKACA, was found to be mutated in sporadic adrenal tumors and fibrolamellar liver carcinoma. Not surprisingly, therefore, a new research study published in The Journal of Pathology showed PRKACA mutations in sporadic cardiac myxomas. The real question is what other pathologies will be found to be due to PRKACA (or other PKA subunit) defects. The possibilities abound and may show the way for a totally new class of medications that target cAMP signaling to be useful in fighting the corresponding tumors. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Crafting Hopi Identities at the Museum of Northern Arizona

The Hopi of Northern Arizona are renowned for their arts, particularly katsina dolls, pottery, silver overlay jewellery and basketry. Hopi objects began to enter museum collections and curio markets in large numbers in the 1880s, and have made their way into museums all over the world, by means of galleries, traders, collectors, tourists and individual commissions. The Hopi collections at the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) are unique because MNA has long taken an active and collaborative role in developing Hopi arts. In the 1930s, MNA curators suggested new jewellery techniques to Hopi artisans; they also supported traditional basketry and textile styles and promoted both revival and innovation in pottery making and katsina doll carving. Hopi artists accepted some of the Museum’s suggestions but developed each art form in their own directions. Over time, the Museum’s role has shifted from one of paternalism to one of collaboration including education, production, marketing and research that focuses on Hopi history and cultural values. Study of MNA collections and associated documentation, and discussions with Hopi artists, show that Hopi art emphasizes the makers’ social identities at many levels – ethnic group, village, clan, membership in ritual associations, gender and age. Sometimes these identities are clearly signalled and can be ‘read’ once a viewer learns how to recognize them; sometimes they are apparent only when information about objects’ individual biographies has been recorded. Presenting the internal diversity of Hopi identities to the public, and preserving this record of diversity for future Hopi generations, is especially challenging in the museum setting.
The effect of holes on the creep behavior and flexural capacity of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of holes on the immediate and long-term deflection of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) under two levels of sustained loading and on their ultimate capacity. Holes approximately equal to the maximum allowed as well as those exceeding allowable limits were evaluated. The results based on the limited number of samples evaluated in this study show that holes located within the allowable regions of the beam could be larger than the sizes currently allowed without having a substantial negative impact on the long-term deflection or ultimate capacity; however, when the holes are shifted outside of the allowable region the performance decreases significantly.
The Future of Mechanics

Mechanics may have peaked in our world, but it will continue to play a major role in the future of humankind. For example, in the newly developed field of biomechanics, mechanically inspired surgical devices will dramatically alter the medical field. And perhaps in the not-too-distant future, we will meet extra terrestrials. Mechanics will play a significant role in their physiques. And finally, how will our species meet our ultimate demise? Once again, mechanics is likely to play an important role in the extinction of humankind. In the end, mechanics has played and will continue to play a profound role in our universe.
The Work of Disabled Women Seeking Reproductive Health Care

Traditionally, the needs of disabled people have been under the specialty known as physical medicine and rehabilitation. The compartmentalization of disabled people to this specialty rather than primary care is topic of a criticism by disability activists who claim this as evidence that doctors avoid those whom they cannot cure and reject disability as everyday part of life (Gillet al. 1994). Attention to disabled women's health has been gradually expanding and improving. However, the split between physical medicine and rehabilitation and general primary care has created some gaps for women with disabilities, perhaps most especially regarding obstretic and reproductive health care. This is a study that examines the reproductive health care experiences of disabled women living in the San Francisco Bay Area. These experiences cover areas of sexuality, pregnancy, contraception, pelvic exams, and medical technology (e.g., mammography). The aim of the study is to gather information on this population's experiences with health care professionals, specifically professionals who provide care regarding reproductive and sexual health. How do disabled women navigate through the health care system as they search for care that “fits”?
Optical Properties of ZnO and Related Alloys

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the optical properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) and related alloys. Several principal intrinsic and extrinsic transitions involving free excitons; polaritons; bound excitons and their two electron satellites, donor acceptor pairs; and LO-phonon interactions, measured by absorption, reflection, photo reflection, and photoluminescence spectroscopy are analyzed. The refractive indices of ZnO and MgZnO, stimulated emission in ZnO thin films and quantum structures, and carrier recombination dynamics in ZnO are also discussed. Even though there is extensive data on ZnO some of its optical characteristics still remain unclear. There is no consensus on the valence band ordering in ZnO and the chemical origin of some of the donor bound exciton transitions are yet to be determined. ZnO material has been a subject of varying degrees of research effort over the decades. Its optical properties have been studied extensively motivated by some of its unique properties and some advantages over other wide-gap materials. Among them is its large exciton binding energy of 60 meV, which should pave the way for exciton-based lasing action with very low threshold currents.
The effect of copper level on nutrient utilization of weanling pigs.

The effect of addition of 15 or 250 ppm of Cu (as CuSO 4 -5H 2 O) and 0 or 5% added animal fat on the utilization of nutrients by weanling pigs was evaluated. Two trials were conducted with four groups of four littermate barrows (6.8 kg, 26 d) in each trial. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2×2 factorial. Data were collected at the beginning of the trial and at the end of each 3-d period. There were no treatment × period interactions (P>.15). There was a Cu level × fat level interaction for ADG (P<.01), feed efficiency (P<.01), N intake (P<.09), fat intake (P<.01), and ash intake (P<.09). Pigs fed 250 ppm of Cu and 5% fat had increased ADG and gain:feed, whereas pigs fed 5% fat and 15 ppm of Cu had decreased ADG and gain:feed compared to pigs fed the other treatments. Apparent digestibility of DM and ash and N retention were increased (P<.05) by the addition of 250 ppm of Cu, whereas the addition of 5% fat decreased (P<.05) DM and ash digestibility. Fat digestibility increased from 28.3% to 75.6% when 5% fat was added to the diet containing 15 ppm of Cu and from 60.8% to 85.1% when 5% fat was added to the diet containing 250 ppm of Cu (Cu level × fat level, P<.01). Pigs fed diets containing 5% fat and 15 ppm of Cu had decreased (P<.05) Na, Cu, Fe, and Zn retention compared to pigs fed the other diets. Data from this study indicate that nutrient digestibility is influenced by Cu and fat level in the diet and that digestibility of dietary fat can be improved in weanling pigs by addition of Cu to the diet
Extensions of Function Fields, Riemann-Hurwitz, and the ABC Theorem

Having developed all the basic material we will need about function fields we now proceed to discuss extensions of function fields. This material can be presented in a geometric fashion. Function fields correspond to algebraic curves and finite extensions of function fields correspond to ramified covers of curves. In this chapter, however, we will continue to use a more arithmetic point of view which emphasizes the analogy of function fields with algebraic number fields.
Clinical Assessment Methods in Negotiation Research: The Study of Narcissism and Negotiator Effectiveness

Field studies suggest that individual differences are strong determinants negotiator effectiveness, but their impact has yet to be adequately documented (Thompson 1990). We argue that the lack of empirical confirmation is attributable to methodological limitations of the dominant paradigm. This paper shows the usefulness of psychodynamically-oriented constructs and clinical assessment methods. The study contrasts the negotiation experience of individuals high and low in narcissistic functioning, a core psychodynamic variable, and the deep-seated character trait that underlies the interpersonal orientation construct. Implications of this approach for the design of personality assessment and negotiation research are explored.
Correlation between Intraocular Pressure and Angle Configuration Measured by OCT: The Chinese American Eye Study

Purpose To characterize the relationship between angle configuration measured by anterior segment (AS)-OCT and intraocular pressure (IOP). Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Participants 50 years of age or older were identified from the Chinese American Eye Study (CHES), a population-based epidemiologic study in Los Angeles, California. Methods Each participant underwent a complete ocular examination, including Goldmann applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, and AS-OCT imaging. Four AS-OCT images were analyzed per eye and parameters describing angle configuration were measured, including angle opening distance (AOD), angle recess area (ARA), trabecular iris space area (TISA), trabecular iris angle (TIA), and scleral spur angle (SSA). The relationship between AS-OCT measurements and IOP was assessed using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing regression and change-point analyses. Main Outcome Measures Correlation between AS-OCT measurements and IOP. Results Seven hundred two eyes (382 closed angle and 320 open angle) of 555 patients were analyzed. Mean IOP for angle-closure eyes was 16.3±3.9 mmHg and that for open-angle eyes was 15.3±2.7 mmHg. Mean IOP increased as AS-OCT measurements decreased for all parameters except TIA measured at 750 μm from the scleral spur. After measurement values dropped to less than parameter-specific threshold values, AS-OCT measurements and IOP were correlated significantly (P 0.40). Conclusions There is an anatomic threshold for angle configuration below which IOP is related strongly to the degree of angle closure. This finding suggests reconsideration of current definitions of angle closure and may be relevant for developing new OCT-based methods to identify patients at higher risk for elevated IOP and glaucoma.
Inhibition of skin tumor promotion by TPA using a combination of topically applied ursolic acid and curcumin

Prevention remains an important strategy to reduce the burden of cancer. One approach to prevent cancer is the use of phytochemicals in various combinations as safe and effective cancer preventative agents. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the combination of ursolic acid (UA) and curcumin (Curc) for potential combinatorial inhibition of skin tumor promotion using the mouse two-stage skin carcinogenesis model. In short-term experiments, the combination of UA + Curc given topically prior to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) significantly inhibited activation of epidermal EGFR, p70S6K, NF-κB p50, Src, c-Jun, Rb, and IκBα. Levels of c-Fos, c-Jun, and Cox-2 were also significantly reduced by the combination compared to the TPA treated group. The alterations in these signaling pathways by the combination of UA + Curc were associated with decreased epidermal proliferation as assessed by measuring BrdU incorporation. Significant effects were also seen with the combination on epidermal inflammatory gene expression and dermal inflammation, with the greatest effects on expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-22, and CXCL2. Furthermore, results from skin tumor experiments demonstrated that the combination of UA + Curc given topically significantly inhibited mouse skin tumor promotion by TPA to a greater extent than the individual compounds given alone. The greatest effects were seen on tumor free survival, tumor size, and tumor weight, although tumor incidence and multiplicity were also further reduced by the combination. These results demonstrate the potential cancer chemopreventive activity and mechanism(s) for the combination of UA + Curc.
Persistent amnion-chorion membrane separation.

AIM Fetal membranes are composed of the amnion and chorion, which fuse during the early second trimester. Persistent separation confers increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This study characterizes sonographic and placental findings associated with persistent amnion-chorion (AC) membrane separation. METHODS This is a case series of 23 patients carrying singleton pregnancies with persistent AC membrane separation after 16 weeks' gestation diagnosed by ultrasound from 2010 to 2016 at our institution. Twenty placentas were available for analysis. RESULTS Obstetrical complications occurred in 13 (56.5%) cases; two (8.7%) cases resulted in intrauterine fetal demise. Fetal malformations were reported in eight (34.8%) cases. Four (17.4%) neonates were small-for-gestational age (SGA; <10th percentile). Placental size measured ≤10th percentile for gestational age in eight (40%) cases. Placental cord insertion was marginal or velamentous in eight (34.8%) cases. Maternal and/or fetal placental perfusion abnormalities occurred in 11 (55%) cases. CONCLUSION AC membrane separation is associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes, placental abnormalities, including marginal and velamentous cord insertion, placental growth restriction and placental perfusion defects. This membrane complication is associated with increased incidence of fetal malformations in the absence of identifiable genetic etiologies.
Investigating adoption patterns of residential low impact development (LID) using classification trees

Local governments are under pressure to improve storm water management and often times must comply with consent decrees with the Federal Government. Decentralizing a portion of the storm water management by integrating private landowners into localized retention and infiltration efforts, that is, low impact development (LID) or green infrastructure projects, is becoming increasingly popular. Some wastewater systems have considered incentivizing private land owners to make improvements aimed at retaining storm water or slowing the conveyance to grey infrastructure. This study examines potential opportunities for incentivizing private residential land owners in Washington DC to install LID projects. This study maps LID configurations to a set of adoption strategies and categories. The C4.5 algorithm is then applied to identify a high performance decision tree for classifying parcels by adoption strategy or adoption categories based on property-level attributes.
Role of Organizational and Market Factors in Nursing Home Hospitalizations: A Longitudinal Analysis

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of organizational and market characteristics with nursing home hospitalizations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional time series. SETTING: All federally certified U.S nur...
TITLE: Relationship between belowground carbon allocation and nitrogen uptake in saplings varies by plant mycorrhizal type

While it has long been hypothesized that belowground carbon (C) allocation in plants is tightly coupled to nutrient uptake, empirical tests of this are rare, especially for woody plants. We grew tree saplings of nine species in soils enriched in isotopically-labeled nitrogen (N) and after several months, pulse-labeled trees with 13CO2. This approach allowed us to track how 13C allocation from foliage to absorptive root tissue related to 15N movement from soil to plant tissues as a measure of each species’ N return on C investment. We hypothesized that tree species known to associate with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi would have greater belowground C fluxes than those that associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and that species with greater belowground C allocation would acquire the most soil N. Overall, we found large interspecific differences in both the amount of recently-fixed C allocated belowground and plant N uptake, yet no differences in either flux between AM and ECM trees (P > 0.05). Moreover, we found no differences between mycorrhizal groups in terms of their N return on C investment. However, mycorrhizal type influenced the relationship between belowground C allocation and N uptake, which was positive in AM species (r = 0.42; P =0.001) and negative in ECM species (r = -0.44; P =0.003), suggesting that the relationship between C allocation and plant nutrition is more complex than theory predicts. Collectively, our results suggest that tree species’ nutrient return on C investment can differ greatly among species, and that efforts to model these dynamics should consider the traits and tradeoffs that underlie these dynamics.
When it’s on zero, the lines become parallel: Preservice elementary teachers’ diagrammatic encounters with division by zero

Abstract We investigated preservice elementary teachers’ diagrammatic encounters with division by zero. Pairs of preservice teachers explored a transformable diagram where the locations of points on the x and y axes could be continuously varied. Quotients were defined in the diagram as the intersection of a line with the y-axis. For zero divisors, the quotient line was parallel to the y-axis, and there was no point of intersection. We report our analysis of two episodes where the transformability of the diagram spurred encounters with division by zero. In each episode, pairs of preservice teachers used repeated movements of the points in the diagram to explore the conditions under which the quotient line would become parallel to the y-axis. Our analysis shows how these movement-based material experiments gave rise to different conceptions of division by zero. We discuss how transformable diagrams create new material contexts for exploring arithmetic concepts.
First Comes Marriage, Then Comes the Election: Macro-level Event Impacts on African American, Latina/x, and White Sexual Minority Women

Sexual minority women (SMW) may have different experiences of macro-level events, such as changes in marriage laws or election outcomes, related to their multiple identities. African American, Latina/x, and White identities intersect with gender/sex and sexual identity to influence experiences at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, and political levels of the socio-ecological environment. Participants include 100 African American, 35 Latina/x, and 164 White SMW (N = 299) in wave 4 (2017–2019) of a longitudinal study of SMW’s health conducted in the USA (Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women Study). Responses to nine open-ended survey questions about marriage equality and the 2016 Presidential election were examined. Thematic analysis noted similarities across groups and focused on group differences in four areas: (1) personal well-being (including fear and anxiety about discrimination; risk associated with masculine presentation; and religion as stress and support); (2) interpersonal relationships (including relationships with partners, family, and in a community); (3) societal discrimination and prejudice (including harassment in public spaces and concerns about travel); and (4) civil rights, government harassment, and police-state violence. Emerging differences emphasized the impact of race/ethnicity and the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender on experiences of marriage equality and the 2016 election. Findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of the experiences of individuals with different racial/racialized identities and the intersection of race/ethnicity with sexual identities is essential to creating culturally competent and effective supports for SMW.
Genome Sequence of a Segmented Filamentous Bacterium Strain That Confers a Rotavirus Resistance Phenotype in Mice.

ABSTRACT Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are well appreciated for eliciting Th17 cell immune responses. Here, we report the genome sequence of a murine isolate of SFB, which confers strong protection against rotavirus infection independent of acquired immunity.
Advanced Wireless for Unmanned Aerial Systems: 5G Standardization, Research Challenges, and AERPAW Architecture

The 5G mobile communications systems merge traditionally separate communications and networking systems and services to effectively support a myriad of heterogeneous applications. Researchers and industry working groups are investigating the integration of aerial nodes, shared spectrum techniques, and new network architectures, which are gradually being introduced into standards. This article discusses relevant standardization efforts for the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) into 5G and the requirements for an aerial wireless testbed. We introduce the aerial experimentation and research platform for advanced wireless (AERPAW) and, specifically, its architecture, which is designed for enabling experimental research in controlled yet production-like environments. Sample research projects and trials show the critical R&D needs, broad scope, and impact that such a platform can have on technology evolution, regulation, and standardization as well as future services.
Virtual Simulation: Comparing Critical Thinking and Satisfaction in RN-BSN Students

Abstract Background Virtual simulation has been used in nursing and other health care professions to provide student opportunities to experience real-life clinical scenarios with interactive computerized virtual patients. Method This pilot study used a randomized, controlled, pre-test, post-test design to compare the outcomes of critical thinking, confidence, and satisfaction with Digital Clinical Experiences™ (intervention) compared to written case studies (control). Results Twenty-seven RN-BSN nursing students enrolled in a Pathophysiology-Pharmacology online accelerated course participated. Although critical thinking scores increased for the intervention group and decreased for the control group, there were no statistically significant differences pre to post test. Participants using the Digital Clinical Experiences™ had higher confidence and satisfaction compared with those using case studies. Conclusion Further evaluation is warranted to determine the efficacy of virtual simulation compared to other online learning methods.
Ab initio Spillover Compensation in CyTOF Data

Signal intensity measured in a mass cytometry (CyTOF) channel can often be affected by the neighboring channels due to technological limitations. Such signal artifacts are known as spillover effects and can substantially limit the accuracy of cell population clustering. Current approaches reduce these effects by using additional beads for normalization purposes known as single-stained controls. While effective in compensating for spillover effects, incorporating single-stained controls can be costly and require customized panel design. This is especially evident when executing large-scale immune profiling studies. We present a novel statistical method, named CytoSpill that independently quantifies and compensates the spillover effects in CyTOF data without requiring the use of single-stained controls. Our method utilizes knowledge-guided modeling and statistical techniques, such as finite mixture modeling and sequential quadratic programming, to achieve optimal error correction. We evaluated our method using five publicly available CyTOF datasets obtained from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), C57BL/6J mouse bone marrow, healthy human bone marrow, chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient, and healthy human cord blood samples. In the PBMCs with known ground truth, our method achieved comparable results to experiments that incorporated single-stained controls. In datasets without ground-truth, our method not only reduced spillover on likely affected markers, but also led to the discovery of potentially novel subpopulations expressing functionally meaningful, cluster-specific markers. CytoSpill (developed in R) will greatly enhance the execution of large-scale cellular profiling of tumor immune microenvironment, development of novel immunotherapy, and the discovery of immune-specific biomarkers. The implementation of our method can be found at https://github.com/KChen-lab/CytoSpill.git.
Quantitative defect analysis in MOCVD GaN-on-GaN using cathodoluminescence

Cathodoluminescence (CL) is used as a quantitative characterization technique to probe impurities at the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) grown GaN-on-GaN homoepitaxial interfaces. CL intensity contrast shows a strong correlation with the interfacial impurity concentrations. Based on the analysis of recombination mechanisms of electron beam induced non-equilibrium carriers, an analytical model is proposed to quantitatively determine the impurity concentrations from CL intensity. The extracted interfacial impurity concentrations from the analytical model show a good agreement with the compensation levels obtained from capacitance-voltage measurement, signifying the potential of CL for probing the quantitative impurity levels in GaN-on-GaN structures. This approach can also be extended to be applied in other material systems.
Response assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with yttrium-90 radioembolization: inter-reader variability, comparison with 3D quantitative approach, and role in the prediction of clinical outcomes

Abstract Objectives To assess the inter-reader variability in response assessment for HCC treated with radioembolization (TARE) compared with 3D quantitative criteria (qEASL); and to evaluate their role in prediction of pathological necrosis and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods 57 patients with 77 HCCs who underwent TARE were included. Five radiologists recorded multiple imaging features and assigned mRECIST/LIRADS Treatment Response (TR) categories on post-treatment MRI at 4-6 weeks and 6-9 months after TARE. qEASL categories were assigned by a separate reader. Inter-reader variability between LIRADS TR/mRECIST/qEASL were evaluated and hazards regression was used in predicting clinical outcomes. Results Inter-reader agreement was fair for mRECIST (K = 0.43 and 0.34 at first and second follow-up respectively); moderate for LIRADS TR (K = 0.48 and 0.53 at first and second follow-up respectively). Inter-criterion agreement was moderate to substantial (r = 0.41-0.65 and r = 0.54-0.60 at first and second follow-up) for mRECIST-qEASL. LIRADS TR correlated well with qEASL for all readers at both follow-ups (K = 0.45-0.78; K = 0.39-0.77 for first and second follow-up). qEASL was the most accurate in predicting Tumor-Free Survival (TFS) on first (HR 2.23 [1.44-3.46], p Conclusions HCC response assessment following TARE is challenging, resulting in poor to moderate inter-reader agreement for mRECIST, and moderate inter-reader agreement for LIRADS TR response assessment criteria. qEASL outperformed mRECIST criteria for early identification of responders and predicting TFS, suggesting an advantage in volumetric tumor response assessment. LIRADS TR outperformed other criteria in predicting pathological necrosis.
Neuronal activity associated with cocaine preference: Effects of differential cocaine intake.

Abstract Differences in overall cocaine intake can directly affect neuroadaptations, and this relationship can make it difficult to interpret neurobiological changes seen in drug-choice studies, since drug intake varies between subjects. Herein, a choice procedure that controls for cocaine intake was utilized to explore if neuronal activity, measured as cFos expression in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), was reflective of preference. Results demonstrated that cFos expression, in both the OFC and NAc, was independent of cocaine preference when cocaine intake was kept constant across individuals. However, when cocaine intake was systematically varied, the expression of cFos associated with cocaine preference was related to overall cocaine intake in the OFC, but not the NAc. Altogether, these results demonstrate that cocaine intake during choice can affect neurobiological outcome measures; thus, the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying cocaine preference may be better isolated when controlling for cocaine frequency and intake. In all, some caution is warranted when interpreting results from choice studies evaluating the neurobehavioral mechanisms that underlie drug preference when drug frequency and intake are uncontrolled, and future research is needed to determine the role of drug frequency and intake on neurobiological measures associated with drug choice.
Real-Time User-Independent Slope Prediction Using Deep Learning for Modulation of Robotic Knee Exoskeleton Assistance

Ground slope incline is a critical environmental variable that influences exoskeleton control parameters since human biological joint demand is correlated to changes in slope incline. Current literature methods take a heuristic approach by numerically calculating the slope incline from on-board mechanical sensors. However, these methods often require a user-specific tuning procedure and are prone to noise and sensor drift when tested in a dynamic setting, such as overground locomotion. In this study, we propose the use of a deep learning slope prediction model capable of generalizing across users and terrain. To evaluate this approach, we collected training data (N = 10) and utilized a convolutional neural network to predict the inclination angle and actively modulate the peak assistance magnitude of a bilateral robotic knee exoskeleton in real-time. From online validation results (N = 3), our model predicted the slope incline with an average RMSE of 1.5 $^{\circ }$ during treadmill and overground walking. Furthermore, our model accurately predicted the slope incline in the extrapolated region outside of the training data with an average RMSE of 1.7 $^{\circ }$ during treadmill and overground walking. Our study's findings showcase the feasibility of using deep learning models to actively modulate exoskeleton assistance, translating this technology to more realistic locomotion environments.
A Role for Polo-Like Kinase 4 in Vascular Fibroblast Cell-Type Transition

Summary Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) is canonically known for its cytoplasmic function in centriole duplication. Here we show a noncanonical PLK4 function of regulating the transcription factor SRF’s nuclear activity and associated myofibroblast-like cell-type transition. In this context, we have further found that PLK4’s phosphorylation and transcription are respectively regulated by PDGF receptor and epigenetic factor BRD4. Furthermore, in vivo experiments suggest PLK4 inhibition as a potential approach to mitigating vascular fibrosis.