cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mandarin/English Two-Way Immersion Program: Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement

A Mandarin/English two-way immersion elementary program is described from its inception and implementation through the fifth grade, the culminating year of the program. All students in all grades were assessed on their oral/listening, reading, and writing performance in Mandarin using program-created assessment measures. Fifth-grade students also took the Mandarin STAMP 4Se test online to assess their oral and literacy performance. In addition, all second- through fifth-grade students participated in the mandated California Standards Tests for English language arts, writing (fourth grade), math, and science (fifth grade). Results showed that across grades, Mandarin immersion students acquired high-level performance in oral/listening, reading, and writing in Mandarin. A comparison of Mandarin heritage students with non-heritage students in the immersion program initially favored heritage students in the acquisition of Mandarin; however, this advantage was not statistically significant in the later grades. On the mandated California standardized tests, the non-immersion students from the same school in the second and third grades had higher scores on the English language arts and math test, but in the upper grades, Mandarin immersion students scored higher than their non-immersion peers in these two subject areas.
Three Years of TRMM Precipitation Features. Part I: Radar, Radiometric, and Lightning Characteristics

Abstract During its first three years, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite observed nearly six million precipitation features. The population of precipitation features is sorted by lightning flash rate, minimum brightness temperature, maximum radar reflectivity, areal extent, and volumetric rainfall. For each of these characteristics, essentially describing the convective intensity or the size of the features, the population is broken into categories consisting of the top 0.001%, top 0.01%, top 0.1%, top 1%, top 2.4%, and remaining 97.6%. The set of “weakest/smallest” features composes 97.6% of the population because that fraction does not have detected lightning, with a minimum detectable flash rate of 0.7 flashes (fl) min−1. The greatest observed flash rate is 1351 fl min−1; the lowest brightness temperatures are 42 K (85 GHz) and 69 K (37 GHz). The largest precipitation feature covers 335 000 km2, and the greatest rainfall from an individual precipitation feature exceeds 2 × 1012 k...
Vector control and fuzzy logic control of doubly fed variable speed drives with DSP implementation

Field orientation control and fuzzy logic control are designed for variable speed drive systems with a doubly-fed machine in a slip power recovery configuration. Laboratory implementation with a general purpose DSP (digital signal processing) system is described and experimental results are given. High performance potential of a slip power recovery system is realized with these advanced controls, while flexible reactive power control becomes possible, and compared to the ordinary variable speed drives with singly-fed induction machines, power converter rating is reduced.
Unusual echocardiographic findings in pericardial tamponade.

Abstract M-mode echocardiographic scanning has been known to be a sensitive and reliable technique for the detection of pericardial effusion. 1. 2 The diagnosis is established by the demonstration of an echo-free space between the left ventricle and the posterior pericardium. This space is said to disappear near the left atrioventricular junction on a continuous scan from the apex of the left ventricle to the aortic root. It is generally felt 3 that fluid cannot accumulate behind the left atrium because of the nature of the reflection of the pericardium around the great vessels on the posterior surface of the heart. This report describes a case of pericardial tamponade in which M-mode echocardiography revealed definite fluid behind the left atrium. Other unusual echocardiographic features of this case were apparent prolapse of the mitral valve and markedly exaggerated motion of the heart as a whole. A normal EF slope was recorded despite the presence of pericardial tamponade.
Profiles, Compulsory Disclosure and Ethical Sexual Citizenship in the Contemporary USA

Almost thirty years after AIDS was first recognized in the USA, behaviorally bisexual men of color who do not identify as gay are portrayed as deviant but redeemable through the disclosure of their...
White adipose tissue sensory nerve denervation mimics lipectomy-induced compensatory increases in adiposity

The sensory innervation of white adipose tissue (WAT) is indicated by the labeling of sensory bipolar neurons in the dorsal root ganglion after retrograde dye placement into WAT. In addition, immunoreactivity (ir) for sensory-associated neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P in WAT pads also supports the notion of WAT sensory innervation. The function of this sensory innervation is unknown but could involve conveying the degree of adiposity to the brain. In tests of total body fat regulation, partial surgical lipectomy triggers compensatory increases in the mass of nonexcised WAT, ultimately resulting in restoration of total body fat levels in Siberian hamsters and other animals. The signal that triggers this compensation is unknown but could involve disruption of WAT sensory innervation that accompanies lipectomy. Therefore, a local and selective sensory denervation was accomplished by microinjecting the sensory nerve neurotoxin capsaicin bilaterally into epididymal WAT (EWAT) of Siberian hamsters, whereas controls received vehicle injections. Additional hamsters had bilateral EWAT lipectomy (EWATx) or sham lipectomy. As seen previously, EWATx resulted in significantly increased retroperitoneal WAT (RWAT) and inguinal WAT (IWAT) masses. Capsaicin treatment significantly decreased CGRP- but not tyrosine hydroxylase-ir, attesting to the diminished and selective sensory innervation. Capsaicin-treated hamsters also had increased RWAT and, to a lesser degree, IWAT mass largely mimicking the WAT mass increases seen after lipectomy. Collectively, these data suggest the possibility that information related to peripheral lipid stores may be conveyed to the brain via the sensory innervation of WAT.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEBT IN BANKRUPTCY: IS IT DISCHARGEABLE?

(2001). MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEBT IN BANKRUPTCY: IS IT DISCHARGEABLE? Journal of Legal Medicine: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 125-141.
Head-body partitioned string matching for Deep Packet Inspection with scalable and attack-resilient performance

Dictionary-based string matching (DBSM) is a critical component of Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), where thousands of malicious patterns are matched against high-bandwidth network traffic. Deterministic finite automata constructed with the Aho-Corasick algorithm (AC-DFA) have been widely used for solving this problem. However, the state transition table (STT) of a large-scale DBSM AC-DFA can span hundreds of megabytes of system memory, whose limited bandwidth and long latency could become the performance bottleneck We propose a novel partitioning algorithm which converts an AC-DFA into a “head” and a “body” parts. The head part behaves as a traditional AC-DFA that matches the pattern prefixes up to a predefined length; the body part extends any head match to the full pattern length in parallel body-tree traversals. Taking advantage of the SIMD instructions in modern x86-64 multi-core processors, we design compact and efficient data structures packing multi-path and multi-stride pattern segments in the body-tree. Compared with an optimized AC-DFA solution, our head-body matching (HBM) implementation achieves 1.2x to 3x throughput performance when the input match (attack) ratio varies from 2% to 32%, respectively. Our HBM data structure is over 20x smaller than a fully-populated AC-DFA for both Snort and ClamAV dictionaries. The aggregated throughput of our HBM approach scales almost 7x with 8 threads to over 10 Gbps in a dual-socket quad-core Opteron (Shanghai) server.
Density dependence or climatic variation? Factors influencing survival, recruitment, and population growth rate of Virginia opossums

Abstract Mesopredators play an increasingly important role in ecosystems where apex predators have been eliminated, but population ecology of these midsized mammalian carnivores remains poorly understood. We applied Pradel's temporal symmetry models to > 6 years of monthly capture–mark–recapture data and investigated factors influencing apparent survival, recruitment, and realized population growth rate of the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), an important mesopredator with unique life-history characteristics. Apparent survival did not vary temporally; monthly survival probabilities were 0.86 ± 0.01 (SE) for females and 0.76 ± 0.02 for males. Recruitment rate varied monthly, with the highest recruitment in December (0.32 ± 0.12 for females and 0.57 ± 0.22 for males). Realized population growth rate varied monthly and was also highest in December (1.30 ± 0.17). Both recruitment and population growth rate were positively influenced by the monthly coefficient of variation of precipitation. There was n...
"Decisions and Dispositions": Socializing Spatial Archaeology

Concerns with spatial dimensions and social inference have long histories in archaeology. However, the two histories are not always conjoined. This article considers changing understandings of space in archaeology in the last half century, and the variable nature of what "social" has denoted and connoted during that same span. The review highlights recurring calls for a social archaeol- ogy, and the degree to which, in such instances, social inference has been expressed in spatial terms, especially as these have recog- nized people's "decisions and dispositions" as shaping the archaeological record. Life histories of place receive special attention as ways of discerning the existence and social impact of such decisions and dispositions. These life histories constitute an arena in which archaeologists from diverse theoretical perspectives can offer complementary insights. Moreover, they exemplify ways in which social and spatial inferences in archaeology contribute to wider understanding of human experience. (Keywords: archaeology, social, space, place, life history)
Phospholipase A2 Metabolites Regulate Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Myocytes

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL) stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA, protein, and nitric oxide (NO) production in neonatal ventricular myocytes (NVM). In other types of cells, IL also activates phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which liberates arachidonic acid for the pathways involved in eicosanoid production, and induces the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoform, which increases prostanoid production. Since NO has been shown to directly stimulate COX activity and the resulting prostanoids to modulate IL induction of iNOS, we questioned whether PLA2 and/or COX products are involved in IL regulation of iNOS and NO production in NVM. We first found that IL induced COX-2 mRNA and protein, resulting in approximately 200-fold and 15-fold increases in PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha (the stable metabolite of PGI2), respectively. IL-stimulated prostanoid production was inhibited by the COX-2-specific inhibitor NS-398, as well as the nonspecific COX inhibitor indomethacin (INDO). We next studied the involvement of the PLA2 inhibitor ONO-RS-082 (ONO) and the COX inhibitor INDO in IL regulation of iNOS. Pretreatment with ONO blocked IL-stimulated NO production and iNOS protein, suggesting that PLA2 products are involved in regulation of iNOS synthesis. Unlike ONO, the COX inhibitor INDO had little effect on IL-stimulated NO. In addition to the COX pathway, arachidonic acid (AA) is also metabolized by the lipoxygenase (LO) pathway. The LO inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) decreased IL-stimulated NO and iNOS synthesis. These data suggest that: (1) IL upregulates COX-2 expression and prostanoid production in NVM; and (2) AA metabolites other than COX products, possibly products of the LO pathway, are involved in IL regulation of iNOS.
The effects of altitude training are mediated primarily by acclimatization, rather than by hypoxic exercise.

For training at altitude to be effective, it must provide some advantage above and beyond similar training at sea level. This advantage could be provided by: 1) acclimatization to altitude which improves oxygen transport and/or utilization; 2) hypoxic exercise which “intensifies” the training stimulus; or 3) some combination of both. Controlled studies of “typical” altitude training, involving both altitude acclimatization and hypoxic exercise have never been shown to improve sea level performance. This failure has been attributed to reduced training loads at altitude. One approach developed by Levine and Stray-Gundersen, called “living high — training low” has been shown to improve sea level performance over events lasting 8–20 minutes. This strategy combines altitude acclimatization (2,500m) with low altitude training to get the optimal effect. The opposite strategy, “living low — training high” is proposed by Dr. Hoppeler in this debate. In defense of the primacy of the altitude acclimatization effect, data will be presented to support the following: 1). Living high-training low clearly improves performance in athletes of all abilities; 2). The mechanism of this improvement is primarily an increase in erythropoietin leading to increased red cell mass, V02max, and running performance; 3). Rather than intensifying the training stimulus, training at altitude leads to the opposite effect — reduced speeds, reduced power output, reduced oxygen flux — and, following the principal of symmorphosis, is not likely to provide any advantage for a well trained athlete; 4). At the moderate altitudes used by most athletes, resting oxygen delivery to skeletal muscle is well preserved, arguing against any detrimental effect on “protein synthesis”; 5). It is possible however, that at significantly higher altitudes, acclimatization leads to appetite suppression, inhibition of protein synthesis, muscle wasting, excessive ventilatory work, and metabolic compensation that is NOT advantageous for a competitive athlete.
The new legal realism and statutory interpretation

Truly descriptive legal realism must recognize some role for the law. This does not amount to acceptance of formalism, though. While the law influences judicial decisions, it is plain that far more...
Case Article-Medication Waste Reduction in an In-Hospital Pharmacy: A Case That Bridges Problem Solving Between a Traditional Case and an Industry Project

This operations management case describes a waste-reduction project in a compounding pharmacy in a hospital. Every day, pharmacy technicians prepare a large number of patient-specific medication doses and then deliver these doses to various hospital units. With the rising cost of medications, pharmacy managers become concerned that a significant number of compounded medication doses are not administered to patients and are subsequently wasted. The students are asked to quantitatively evaluate proposed changes to the compounding and delivery process and to estimate savings from process reconfiguration. Two large data sets are provided with the case to facilitate hypothesis generation regarding probable causes of waste and to analyze proposed changes. The analysis will deepen students' spreadsheet skills as well as mathematical modeling of inventory problems. The case is presented in parts, and it is discussed over one-and-a half class meetings-simulating the steps of a field project: interviewing a client, framing the client's problem, formulating a data request, and then analyzing the data and delivering a recommendation. This case has been used in a core MBA operations management class; it could also be used in a health-care operations or in a business modeling course. Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Ka‐band phased patch array antenna integrated with a PET‐controlled phase shifter

In this article, a 4 × 4 linear-phased patch array antenna, consisting of four 1 × 4 patch subarrays and a true time-delay multiline phase shifter, is proposed on a thin film liquid crystal polymer substrate at Ka-band. The patch antenna is designed with a gain of 6 dBi at 35 GHz and a bandwidth of 23% centered at 35 GHz. To enhance the gain and symmetrize the beam patterns of the 4 × 4 array, a 1 × 4 patch subarray in the E-plane was designed and characterized. The subarray produces an enhanced gain of 11 dBi and a wide beamwidth of ±38° in the H-plane for beam steering. The proposed phase shifter comprises a 1 × 4 microstrip line power splitter and a piezoelectric transducer-controlled phase perturber. A large phase variation of up to 370° and a low insertion loss of less than 2 dB were demonstrated for the phase shifter at Ka-band. The integrated phased array attains a gain of 15.6 dBi, and a continuous true-time delay beam steering of up to 33 ± 1° from 31 to 39 GHz. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2015.
Responding to a Slow Moving Catastrophe: Addressing Forest Dieback in the San Bernardino National Forest

Forest dieback events are currently killing trees across millions of hectares of western North America. Unlike traditional focusing events, these represent slow-moving catastrophes that play out over the course of a decade or longer. This paper analyzes bark beetle and wildfire induced focusing events in southern California that have killed trees over millions of acres. In particular, this research focuses on the San Bernardino National Forest. It draws on extensive interviews with an array of stakeholders in the region, including agency representatives, ecologists, academics, environmental groups, and concerned citizens among others. This work draws on agenda setting, focusing event, and policy change literatures and analyzes the causes and responses to the outbreak. The outbreak has garnered national attention and led to a substantial amount of federal funds to address the root causes of the outbreak. It has also led to the formation of an ad-hoc interagency collaborative planning organization that stakeholders believe provides a model for how to effectively address complex socio-environmental issues like wildfires and bark beetle infestations across the western United States. This case provides an opportunity to reevaluate the focusing event and policy change literature in the context of multi-year forest dieback events and provides insights into emerging challenges to forest management.
Fertility issues in patients with hematologic malignancies

An essential component of a cancer patient's comprehensive care is addressing potential threats to his or her reproductive health. Providers should discuss the risk of infertility with newly diagnosed patients and offer the chance to consult with a reproductive specialist as early as possible. Standard fertility preservation options include embryo or oocyte cryopreservation for women and sperm banking for men; all options for pre-pubertal children are experimental. Patients with hematologic malignancies are a distinct population in whom standard options may present special challenges, and alternative management strategies are being explored. Unique approaches in hematologic malignancy patients include experimental techniques, such as hormonal therapy, referrals to reproductive specialists after cancer treatment, or discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in appropriate chronic myelogenous leukemia patients. Importantly, expedited communication between hematologists and reproductive specialists may greatly enhance the quality of care for these patients. Facilitation of referrals will both improve the quality-of-life and expand the prospect of parenthood in survivors. There are ample opportunities to advance the field of oncofertility through additional research, especially in hematologic malignancy patients.
Analysis of temperature measurements on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are attractive light sources for various optoelectronic applications. However, laser heating limits the device performance. The investigation of temperature effects requires that the active-region temperature be known. Usually, the red-shift Δλ of the Fabry–Perot (FP) mode wavelength is utilized to estimate a temperature TΔλ. This wavelength increase with elevated temperature results primarily from the refractive-index rise of the optical materials inside the VCSEL. Thus, TΔλ gives an average temperature of the resonator. The almost-linear function Δλ(T) is obtained for homogeneous laser heating (equal to heat-sink temperature) in pulsed laser operation, and it is then applied to continuous-wave (cw) operation. But in cw operation, the temperature distribution inside the laser is nonuniform.2 Several heat sources at different locations have to be considered, and the maximum temperature of the active region Ta,max can be much higher than the expected value TΔλ.
Contraception Counseling in the Digital Age

The digital age has revolutionized how providers and patients seek medical information and access care. The Internet, flush with online forums and other social media networks, has replaced services once provided by medical libraries. Meanwhile, downloadable apps help patients remember medications, choose treatments, and remotely access face-to-face physician encounters. Unfortunately, technology comes at a price. Reputable, data-driven sites exist alongside sites riddled with inaccuracies. The lack of peer review means that discredited ideas and therapies can resurface in the blogosphere, "going viral" and influencing the thoughts of hapless users. The Internet never forgets. Online media and digital technology pose unique challenges to family planning providers. The "net" offers a private environment to address sexual and reproductive health issues. Patients, especially adolescents, may prefer the anonymity of technology-based sources to consulting physicians or other community providers, but they may receive inaccurate information or information that fails to consider the psychosocial context of reproductive behavior. Family planning providers must become familiar with reputable technology-based options to ensure that family planning care remains accurate, accessible, and relevant in the ever-changing digital age.
An Inspiration for Expanding the Self-Expansion Model of Love

Lamy’s view coincides with much of the self-expansion model of love, but also suggests potential interesting directions for expanding it and integrating it with other ideas. These include the poten...
“Word-of-Mouth” Advertising in Selling New Products:

ADVERTISING and personal selling are by no means the only sources from which consumers receive information regarding products. Powerful "networks of interpersonal relations" existing within the consumer market are also utilized for this purpose. In this article we shall discuss the networks of interpersonal communications which have been found through research, and consider their significance in relation to marketing activities. It must be pointed out that none of the material has a bearing on the promotion of individual brands. The principal sources deal with the introduction of new types of products, all of which are commercially marketed in substantial volume.
Atopic dermatitis: clinical aspects and treatment.

Persans who have atopic dermatitis are unhappy victims of psychologic suppression and repression whose outward calm tends to belie the emotional component of their skin disease. Psychologic support is an indispensable part of treatment. Other measures are directed toward softening the skin and combating dryness, avoiding environmental exposures that spell trouble, and relieving pruritus and promoting healing with medications. Corticosteroid creams, ointments and lotions are the mainstay of topical treatment.
GLYCOLYTIC OSCILLATIONS IN CELLS AND EXTRACTS OF YEAST - SOME UNSOLVED PROBLEMS

Publisher Summary The phenomenon of autonomous oscillations in the concentration of glycolytic metabolites in yeast has been the subject of intense study. It has been shown that the oscillations originate through an alternating activation and deactivation of the key enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK), probably under the influence of positive allosteric effectors which are either direct or indirect products of the PFK reaction. It has been shown that cell-free extracts of the yeast S. carlsbergensis can be produced, which generate glycolytic oscillations of a type equivalent to those observed in intact cells. This discovery led to the observation that these oscillations in cell-free extracts were, under certain conditions, essentially limit-cycle oscillations and could be sustained at close to constant frequency and amplitude for many hours. The recognition that the glycolytic oscillations were not continuously damped came from the observation that the oscillations in cell-free extracts could be sustained by the addition of the reserve disaccharide, trehalose, or by the infusion of glucose, fructose, or phosphorylated hexoses at the correct rates. These experiments indicated that the rate of sugar entry into the cell was of crucial importance for the appearance of the oscillation phenomenon and this process limited the overall rate of glycolysis in these cells.
Five themes in Chebyshev spectral methods applied to the regularized Charney eigenproblem

The Charney problem, a second order ordinary differential equation eigenproblem on z ? 0 , ∞ with complex eigenvalues, is of great historical importance in meteorology and oceanography. Here, it is used as a testbed for several extensions of spectral methods. The first is to parameterize a plane curve which is singular at an endpoint, as very common in applications. The second stretch is to extend the Chebyshev tau method to compute eigenfunctions of the form M ( z ) + log ( z ) V ( z ) where M ( z ) and V ( z ) are entire functions and where the approximation interval is a line segment in the complex plane. Third, we offer a special procedure for finding the roots of a function which is not a polynomial, but rather the combination of a polynomial plus a logarithm multiplied by a second polynomial. Lastly, to resolve the very thin boundary layer of the regularized Charney problem, we combine a rational Chebyshev ( T L n ) pseudospectral method with a change of coordinate which is quadratic at the ground. Remarkably, best results are obtained by applying four boundary conditions even though the Charney problem is a differential equation of only second order.
TCT-806 Slow and Prolonged Inflations in Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty is as Effective as Stenting in Peripheral Vascular Interventions

The benefit of stent implantation over percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients undergoing peripheral vascular interventions (PVI) has not been well described. Original data supporting stents over PTA was in an era without routine atherectomy, and more recent data including chronic
First Quarter: Theoretical Approaches to Religious Violence

This chapter presents three fundamental functions of religious violence—cosmological, ethical, and social-psychological. While drawing upon a number of critical scholars from multiple disciplines, the chapter focuses on the seminal work of theorist Rene Girard. The chapter concludes by showing how theories of religious violence can be used to enhance our understanding of sport.
MISCALCULATION OF RIGHT ATRIAL PRESSURE BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASE: A SIMULTANEOUS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY-CATHETERIZATION STUDY

Background: Assessment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) size by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a standard tool for noninvasive estimation of right atrial pressure (RAP). However, there is limited data on its performance in known structural heart disease, when significant elevation of RAP
Military Healthcare Providers' Knowledge and Comfort Regarding the Medical Care of Active Duty Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Patients.

Abstract Purpose: This study assessed military healthcare providers' knowledge, clinical practice, and comfort in caring for active duty (AD) lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) patients. Methods: Primary care providers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina were surveyed anonymously. Results: The response rate was 28% (n = 40). Almost two-thirds of the respondents felt comfortable discussing sexual health with AD patients, but only 5% inquired about same-sex sexual activity. Slightly less than one-third reported prior training in LGB healthcare topics and nearly four-fifths desired clear guidance from the Department of Defense regarding the process for screening and documentation of AD same-sex sexual activity. Conclusion: The findings highlight providers' need and desire for training in LGB patient care.
Interactions between the invasive Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, and the local mosquito community in Florida, USA.

The Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, is a well-established invasive species in the greater Everglades ecosystem of southern Florida, USA. Most research on its ecological impacts focuses on its role as a predator and its trophic interactions with native vertebrate species, particularly mammals. Beyond predation, there is little known about the ecological interactions between P. bivittatus and native faunal communities. It is likely that established populations of P. bivittatus in southern Florida serve as hosts for native mosquito communities. To test this concept, we used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I DNA barcoding to determine the hosts of blood fed mosquitoes collected at a research facility in northern Florida where captive P. bivittatus and Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae (Dumeril and Bibron), are maintained in outdoor enclosures, accessible to local mosquitoes. We recovered python DNA from the blood meals of three species of Culex mosquitoes: Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab), Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and Culex pilosus (Dyar and Knab). Culex erraticus conclusively (P = 0.001; Fisher’s Exact Test) took more blood meals from P. bivittatus than from any other available host. While the majority of mosquito blood meals in our sample were derived from P. bivittatus, only one was derived from S. merianae. These results demonstrate that local mosquitoes will feed on invasive P. bivittatus, a recently introduced host. If these interactions also occur in southern Florida, P. bivittatus may be involved in the transmission networks of mosquito-vectored pathogens. Our results also illustrate the potential of detecting the presence of P. bivittatus in the field through screening mosquito blood meals for their DNA.
Empowering Latina breast cancer patients to make informed decisions about clinical trials: a pilot study.

Minority representation in clinical trials is vital for researchers to assess differential effects in outcomes of therapies on biological and genetic characteristics among groups. This study assessed the effect of Choices, a bilingual multi-component intervention, on perceived understanding of clinical trials, agreement with stages of decision readiness and consideration of clinical trials as a treatment option, among Latina breast cancer patients. This randomized controlled pilot study compared Choices with a control condition providing general clinical trial information to eligible patients. Seventy-seven Latina breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to either Choices (n = 38) or the control (n = 39). Choices included three components: an educational interactive video, a low-literacy booklet, and care coordination by patient navigation (i.e., educational and psychosocial support, coordinating appointments, translating, interacting with the medical team). Choices was more effective than the control in improving perceived understanding of clinical trials (p = .033) and increasing consideration of clinical trials as a treatment option (p = .008). Additionally, intervention participants showed significant changes between baseline and post-intervention on agreement with stages of decision readiness statements (p .05); the percentage of intervention women in agreement with preparation to action statements increased from 52.8% at baseline to 86.1% at post-intervention, and those in agreement with ready to action stages rose from 50.0% to 88.9%. Computer-based videos and care coordination provided by patient navigation-specifically tailored to Latinos-are effective strategies to successfully address awareness, and improved decision-making skills to make informed decisions about clinical trial participation.
Photoresists and Advanced Patterning

Lithographic processes play an important role in patterning materials for a wide variety of applications including integrated circuit (IC) fabrication, printed circuit board manufacturing, microfabrication of other devices such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), offset printing, and many others. There are two critical components in such lithographic processes: the exposure tools that are used to perform pattern-wise radiation exposure of a substrate and the photoresist materials that are used to translate the radiation pattern into a physical relief image. Polymers and polymerization processes play a critical role in the formulation and function of these photoresist materials. The types of polymers used in these applications range from the very simple, as in the case of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is used as a high-resolution electron beam (e-beam) resist, to the very complex multifunctional polymers used for advanced optical lithography applications at deep-UV (DUV) and 193 nm exposure wavelengths. In general, most resists function via a radiation exposure-induced chemical change that modifies their solubility or dissolution rate in an appropriate solvent. This solubility change can be achieved using a variety of mechanisms including depolymerization, polymerization, cross-linking, and polarity changes initiated in some way by radiation exposure. Currently, high-volume IC manufacturing is based primarily on the use of positive-tone, chemically amplified photoresists in which exposure causes the production of a photoacid that subsequently catalyzes the deprotection of the photoresist polymer to alter its polarity and solubility in aqueous alkaline developers. Moving forward, there are significant challenges associated with extending such photoresist-based lithographic processes to sub-30 nm patterning due to a variety of issues including photoresist pattern collapse, pattern blur and limited resolution capabilities in such materials, edge roughness of patterned features, and a need for more highly sensitive materials as the exposure wavelength is decreased below 193 nm.
Basic FGF enhances endothelium-dependent relaxation of the collateral-perfused coronary microcirculation

The effect of chronic, periadventitial administration of basic (b) fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on endothelial dysfunction in the collateral-dependent and normally perfused coronary microcirculation was examined. Ameroid constrictors were placed on the proximal left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) in 23 pigs. In 11 pigs, bFGF was released from calcium alginate microcapsules into the perivascular space of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and LCX. After 5-8 wk, coronary arterial microvessels (80-170 microns) were studied in a pressurized (40 mmHg) no-flow state with video microscopy. Receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxations to ADP and serotonin were reduced while contraction to acetylcholine was enhanced in the collateral-dependent LCX microvessels of non-bFGF-treated control hearts. Relaxation of vessels to the non-receptor-mediated, endothelium-dependent agent A-23187; endothelium-independent relaxation to nitroprusside; and contraction to KCl were similar in all groups. Chronic treatment with bFGF normalized responses to ADP, serotonin, and acetylcholine in the collateral-dependent LCX region but had no effect on the responses of vessels in the normally perfused LAD region. Arteriolar density in the collateral-perfused LCX region of bFGF-treated hearts was markedly increased (4-fold compared with that in untreated hearts, suggesting a link between the angiogenic effect of bFGF and its action on endothelial preservation. Thus the periadventitial, sustained delivery of bFGF preserves receptor-mediated, endothelium-dependent responses in the collateral-dependent LCX region but has no effect on responses of microvessels in the normally perfused LAD region or on non-receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation.
Parents as decision makers for children

The continuing high incidence of abuse and neglect requires limits to parental authority over children. Although most parents believe they act in the interests of their children, that alone would not justify interference with a child's liberty. In the area of health care, allowing children some independence from parental control serves three functions: physical protection; respect for autonomy; and protection of public health interests. Despite all that, parents need and deserve to be left alone within broad limits of tolerance, for their sake as well as that of their children.
The Photometry Laboratory at the UCV and the Light Pollution Regulations in Chile

A brief description of photometric processing for different types of lighting fixtures is given, together with the respective reports and the way they are to be used in the application of the N° 686 regulation. Also methods to adapt regular lighting fixtures will be reviewed under the scope of the light pollution regulation.
A novel learning approach to pharmaceutical sciences research in a pharmacy research advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) elective course.

Abstract Background and purpose This project investigates the use of pharmacy student metacognitive learning in a laboratory-based science research advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE). Educational activity and setting We describe a five-week research APPE. This course is separated into two parts which run simultaneously. In part 1, students read and discuss papers from primary literature to learn the context of the project and the theory behind each laboratory procedure. In part 2, students perform experiments in the laboratory that contribute to the primary investigator's (PI's) ongoing research project and relate directly to the readings from part 1. Metacognitive processes allow students to better understand and evaluate the primary literature and to connect that information with the hands-on experiments being performed. Findings Currently, this APPE has run five times with a total of eight students. Student learning was assessed by several written and oral assignments graded with rubrics. Students' perceptions of their own learning and metacognitive development following the course was assessed using a survey. Summary This APPE seems to be a useful experience for both faculty and students. Students obtain laboratory and metacognitive skill development, while the collaborating laboratory is supplied with material required for further experiments. Importantly, the APPE preceptor is not the PI, so the preceptor is able to focus on the learning skills (both metacognition and hands-on) portion of the APPE.
Nonbinary-Affirming Psychological Interventions

Abstract Nonbinary individuals experience unique stressors and stigma compared to binary transgender individuals. Given the many social systems that operate on a binary gender system, nonbinary individuals frequently experience microaggressions, discrimination, and harassment and suffer from high rates of negative mental health outcomes as a result. The unique stressors that nonbinary individuals face warrant specific clinical considerations for working with this population. Yet, limited published clinical guidance exists on working with nonbinary clients. This article uses minority stress theory to understand the unique stressors and mental health risks that nonbinary individuals face, a cultural competency framework to describe affirming practices, and ecological theory to contextualize how mental health providers can intervene and support nonbinary individuals. Concrete micro-, mezzo-, and macro-level interventions are provided for clinicians to enact to support the well-being of nonbinary clients including affirming the client’s experience of gender, taking a stance of openness and flexibility, and advocating for inclusive policies and practices.
Passive containment cooling system with hydrogen recombiner for prolonged station blackout

Beyond design basis accident scenario, where station blackout could lead to severe accident with hydrogen release, has become important after accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Here a pas...
Outcomes with rituximab plus bendamustine (R-Benda), dexamethasone, rituximab, cyclophosphamide (DRC), and bortezomib, dexamethasone, rituximab (BDR) as primary therapy in patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM).

7509Background: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma for which scant comparative data exist to guide frontline therapy. Herein, we compare 3 commonly used regimens in WM: R-Benda, ...
Modeling and Analysis of Ultrasound Elastographic Axial Strains for Spine Fracture Identification

This study reports the first use of ultrasound (US) elastography for imaging spinal fractures by assessing the mechanical response of the soft tissue at the posterior vertebra boundary to a uniaxial compression in rabbit ex vivo samples. Three-dimensional finite-element (FE) models of the vertebra-soft tissue complex in rabbit samples are generated and analyzed to evaluate the distribution of the axial normal and shear strains at the vertebra-soft tissue interface. Experiments on the same samples are performed to corroborate simulation findings. Results of this study indicate that the distribution of the axial strains manifests as distinct patterns around intact and fractured vertebrae. Numerical characteristics of the axial strain’s spatial distribution are further used to construct two shape descriptors to make inferences on spinal abnormalities: 1) axial normal strain asymmetry for assessing the presence of fractures and 2) principal orientation of axial shear strain concentration regions (shear zones) for measurement of spinous process dislocation. This study demonstrates that axial normal strain and axial shear strain maps obtained via US elastography can provide a new means to detect spine fractures and abnormalities in the selected ex vivo animal models. Spinal fracture detection is important for the assessment of spinal cord injuries and stability. However, identification of spinal fractures using US is currently challenging. Our results show that features resulting from strain elastograms can serve as a useful adjunct to B-mode images in identifying spine fractures in the selected animal samples, and this information could be helpful in clinical settings.
Inter-Level Cooperation in Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning

Hierarchical models for deep reinforcement learning (RL) have emerged as powerful methods for generating meaningful control strategies in difficult long time horizon tasks. Training of said hierarchical models, however, continue to suffer from instabilities that limit their applicability. In this paper, we address instabilities that arise from the concurrent optimization of goal-assignment and goal-achievement policies. Drawing connections between this concurrent optimization scheme and communication and cooperation in multi-agent RL, we redefine the standard optimization procedure to explicitly promote cooperation between these disparate tasks. Our method is demonstrated to achieve superior results to existing techniques in a set of difficult long time horizon tasks, and serves to expand the scope of solvable tasks by hierarchical reinforcement learning. Videos of the results are available at: this https URL.
Fractal, Chaotic, and Self-Organizing Critical System: Descriptions of the Kinetics of Cell Membrane Ion Channels

Channels are proteins in the cell membrane that spontaneously fluctuate between conformational shapes that are closed or open to the passage of ions. The kinetics of these changes in conformational state can be described in different ways, that suggest different physical properties for the ion channel protein. We describe kinetic models based on: 1) random switching between a few independent states, 2) random switching between many states that are cooperatively linked together, 3) deterministic, chaotic, nonlinear oscillations, amplifying themselves until the channel switches states, and 4) deterministic local interactions that self-organize the fluctuations in channel structure near a phase transition, switching it between different states.
Scenario Planning for Sea Level Rise via Reinforcement Learning

Climate change and sea level rise impacts will affect coastal communities with multiple threats, including increased frequency of compound events, such as storm surge combined with heavy precipitation. Accurately modeling how the stakeholders, such as governments and residents, may respond to sea level rise scenarios (i.e., scenario planning) can assist in the creation of policies tailored to local impacts and resilience strategies. In this paper, our contributions are twofold. Firstly, considering a single-agent model for government, we numerically show that the government’s policy on infrastructure improvement should be based on the observed sea levels rather than the observed cost from nature. The latter refers to the straightforward policy that any responsive (but not proactive) government would follow. Through a reinforcement learning algorithm based on a Markov decision process model we show that the precautionary measures, (i.e., infrastructure improvements triggered by the sea levels) are more effective in decreasing the expected cost than the aftermath measures triggered by the cost from nature. Secondly, to generate different scenarios we consider several sea level rise projections by NOAA, and model different government and resident prototypes using cooperation indices in terms of being responsive to the sea level rise problem. We present a reinforcement learning algorithm to generate simulations for a set of scenarios defined by the NOAA projections and cooperation indices.
Application of a Laser Cutter to Pattern Wrinkles on Polymer Films

Wrinkling of thin films is a simple way to fabricate microscale topographical structures without the use of expensive lithographic processes or clean rooms. Such wrinkles have applications in surfa...
Spectroscopic and Theoretical Insights into Surprisingly Effective Sm(III) Extraction from Alkaline Aqueous Media by o-Phenylenediamine-Derived Sulfonamides.

Alkaline high-level waste (HLW) generated as a result of years of nuclear weapons production has complicated composition and requires comprehensive treatment methods, which would allow concentratin...
New twists on long noncoding RNAs: from mobile elements to motile cancer cells

The purpose of this review is to highlight several areas of lncRNA biology and cancer that we hope will provide some new insights for future research. These include the relationship of lncRNAs and ...