cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Home Ranges of Gopher Snakes (Pituophis catenifer, Colubridae) in Central California

Abstract Knowledge of the home range of an animal can provide insights for studies of behavioral interactions among individuals, and long-term monitoring of particular animals is necessary to determine whether they exhibit seasonal variation in space-use patterns. I radio-tracked four adult male Pituophis catenifer (gopher snake) in central California for 14 consecutive months to investigate spatial and seasonal movement patterns. Using the fixed kernel density estimator to produce a probability contour, the 95% home ranges of P. catenifer ranged from 0.89–1.78 ha, whereas their core areas (50% polygons), the most heavily used areas of their home ranges, ranged from 0.1–0.29 ha. Movements of male P. catenifer were similar in spring and summer and decreased in autumn and winter. The telemetered snakes were close to marshes and Eucalyptus woodlands but were routinely found in grassland areas, perhaps because this habitat type may provide abundant food resources and partial protection from predators. Despite...
High-Temperature Rate Constants for CH3OH + Kr → Products, OH + CH3OH → Products, OH + (CH3)2CO → CH2COCH3 + H2O, and OH + CH3 → CH2 + H2O†

The reflected shock tube technique with multipass absorption spectrometric detection of OH radicals at 308 nm (corresponding to a total path length of ∼4.9 m) has been used to study the dissociation of methanol between 1591 and 2865 K. Rate constants for two product channels [CH3OH + Kr → CH3 + OH + Kr (1) and CH3OH + Kr → 1CH2 + H2O + Kr (2)] were determined. During the course of the study, it was necessary to determine several other rate constants that contributed to the profile fits. These include OH + CH3OH → products, OH + (CH3)2CO → CH2COCH3 + H2O, and OH + CH3 → 1,3CH2 + H2O. The derived expressions, in units of cm3 molecule-1 s,-1 are k1 = 9.33 × 10-9 exp(−30857 K/T) for 1591−2287 K, k2 = 3.27 × 10-10 exp(−25946 K/T) for 1734−2287 K, kOH+CH3OH = 2.96 × 10-16T1.4434 exp(−57 K/T) for 210−1710 K, kOH+(CH3)2CO = (7.3 ± 0.7) × 10-12 for 1178−1299 K and kOH+CH3 = (1.3 ± 0.2) × 10-11 for 1000−1200 K. With these values along with other well-established rate constants, a mechanism was used to obtain profil...
Electron Diffraction Studies of LiNi1 / 3Mn1 / 3Co1 / 3O2 After Charge–Discharge Cycling

The performance of LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 depends largely on the distribution of transition-metal (TM) ions over the available lattice sites within the layered rocksalt structure. Despite predictions that the TM ions take on an ordered arrangement described by a √3 × √3R30° supercell, little experimental evidence is available to confirm this model. However, the observed cation distribution likely depends on synthesis conditions. Here, we present a study of commercially produced LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 synthesized at 1000°C before and after charge-discharge cycling. Electron diffraction shows that in-plane ordering is observed to small extents. After charge-discharge cycling, a transformation toward the cubic spinel structure and significant morphology changes are observed.
A revision of the genus Leptotyphlops in northeastern Africa and southwestern Arabia (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae)

The species of Leptotyphlops in northeastern Africa and southwestern Arabia (i.e. between 18°N and 12°S and between 29°E and 52°E) are revised. Twenty-five species belonging to five species groups are recognised, the taxonomy being based largely on skull morphology and visceral anatomy. Seven new species ( L. ionidesi, L. tanae, L. howelli, L. mbanjensis, L. keniensis, L. aethiopicus and L. nigroterminus ) and one new subspecies (L. scutifrons pitmani ) are described. Wallach & Lanza (2004) have revived Leptotyphlops braccianii (Scortecci) from the synonymy of L. macrorhynchus (Jan & Sordelli), with Glauconia variabilis Scortecci regarded as a synonym. They also revived L. erythraeus (Scortecci) from the synonymy of L. macrorhynchus and L. yemenicus Scortecci from the synonymy of L. nursii. Leptotyphlops monticolus (Chabanaud) is now revived from the synonymy of L. emini (Boulenger). Glauconia latirostris Sternfeld is reinstated as a full species. Leptotyphlops nursii (Boulenger), long known from the Arabian peninsula, is recorded from higher altitudes in northern Somalia. Descriptions of the visceral anatomy are presented for all species found in eastern and southern Africa. A key based on external characters is provided, the known variation in meristic and visceral characters is tabulated and the distributions mapped.
Predator-guided sampling reveals biotic structure in the bathypelagic

We targeted a habitat used differentially by deep-diving, air-breathing predators to empirically sample their prey's distributions off southern California. Fine-scale measurements of the spatial variability of potential prey animals from the surface to 1,200 m were obtained using conventional fisheries echosounders aboard a surface ship and uniquely integrated into a deep-diving autonomous vehicle. Significant spatial variability in the size, composition, total biomass, and spatial organization of biota was evident over all spatial scales examined and was consistent with the general distribution patterns of foraging Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) observed in separate studies. Striking differences found in prey characteristics between regions at depth, however, did not reflect differences observed in surface layers. These differences in deep pelagic structure horizontally and relative to surface structure, absent clear physical differences, change our long-held views of this habitat as uniform. The revelation that animals deep in the water column are so spatially heterogeneous at scales from 10 m to 50 km critically affects our understanding of the processes driving predator-prey interactions, energy transfer, biogeochemical cycling, and other ecological processes in the deep sea, and the connections between the productive surface mixed layer and the deep-water column.
Injectable-antineoplastic-drug practices in Michigan hospitals

Practices related to parenteral (injectable) antineoplastic drugs (PADs) in Michigan hospitals were surveyed. All hospitals in Michigan were surveyed to assess compliance with American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations related to PADs. Other PAD-related practice issues not covered within those guidelines were also studied. Surveys were mailed to the pharmacy directors of the state's 192 acute-care hospitals. Included were questions concerning policies and procedures for ordering, storing, preparing, handling, labeling, transporting, administering, and disposing of PADs. Questions concerning staff education, spill cleanup, and personnel issues were also included. A total of 169 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 88%. Of those respondents, 132 indicated that they prepare PAD doses for inpatients. Adherence rates were high for several of the PAD-preparation recommendations, including handwashing (97%) and gloving (98.5%). Rates for gowning (71.2%), labeling of PAD doses as biohazards (chemical hazards) (73.5%), and use of Class II biological-safety cabinets (71.2%) were less favorable. Practice areas with relatively poor adherence rates included use of plastic-backed absorbent pads under PAD preparation areas (53.8%), storing PADs separately from other drugs (48.5%), informing prospective employees of potential risks of handling PADs (36.4%), availability of spill kits (36.4%), and attaching and priming i.v. tubing before adding PADs to i.v. containers (5.4%). Many pharmacy departments in Michigan hospitals can substantially improve their adherence to ASHP and OSHA recommendations related to PADs.
Dilute Ammoniacal Silver as a Substitute for Methenamine Silver to Demonstrate Pneumocystis carinii and Fungi

A rapid silver method for demonstrating Pneumocystis carinii and fungi is described. The staining method is similar to Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) method, except that very dilute Gomori's ammoniacal silver is substituted for methenamine silver. The dilute ammoniacal silver solution is much more stable at high temperatures than methenamine silver and therefore is suitable for use in a microwave oven or hot water bath. The staining results are indistinguishable from those obtained with Grocott's method and are consistent and reliable.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CELL SURFACES FROM THE DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC HYPHOMYCETE NOMURAEA RILEYI

Physicochemical properties of cell wall surfaces of conidia, conidial germ tubes, hyphal bodies and mycelia ofthe entomogenous hyphomycete Nomuraea rileyi were studied. Hydrophobicity was deter? mined using a polystyrene microsphere adhesion assay. Microspheres bound to conidial germ tube and mycelial walls indicating that these surfaces are hydrophobic. Microspheres did not bind to hyphal body walls except at polar areas. Results from these experiments were confirmed using phase exclusion methods. Electrostatic charge characteristics of fungal surfaces were examined using DEAE (positively charged) and CM (negatively charged) beads. Cells from all growth phases adhered to DEAE but not CM beads indicating the presence of negatively charged sites on the surfaces. Degree of electronegativity as shown by FITC-poly-L-lysine binding is greatest on hyphal bodies and at the proximal end of germ tubes. Fluorescence was faint on conidia and mycelia. Cationized ferritin formed a thick capsule around hyphal body cells and a thinner but continuous layer on sheath material surrounding germ tubes; labeling of mycelial sheath was more random possibly due to the dispersed nature of this material. Areas of germ tubes or mycelium not covered by sheath were sparsely labeled as were conidial surfaces. Neutralization of hydrophobicity or electronegativity did not affect passive binding of conidial or mycelial cells to monolayers of insect hemocytes.
Satellite, Airborne, and Ground-based Remote Sensing

Results from combining satellite, or airborne, FTS measurements with ground-based FTS, chemistry model, and in-situ observations, obtained during several satellite validation campaigns, are presented to demonstrate the synergistic use multi-platform remote sensing and in-situ observations.
Operators and Waves

The variables describing microscopic systems can have only certain values, such as the energy of a particle moving in an infinite well can have the values where the quantum number n appear in the equation is a positive integer. The energy of the particle could not have a value between the energy for n = 1 and n = 2. A microscopic particle can also be described by a wave function that enables calculation of the probability that the particle is located in a particular region and enabling the calculation of average values of functions of the spatial variables. Operators corresponding to other particle variables such as the energy are obtained by writing the variable in terms of the momentum and then replacing the momentum with the momentum operator. The possible results of measuring a variable can be obtained by forming the eigenvalue equation for the operator corresponding to the variable: operator × function = constant × function. The results of a measurement are the values of the constant on the right-hand side of the eigenvalue equation for which the equation has a solution satisfying the boundary conditions.
Enduring in an “Impossible” Occupation: Perfectionism and Commitment to Teaching

Very little is known about the role of person-level qualities, or personality, in the teacher labor market. This study explores the role of perfectionism in teacher occupational commitment and retention. One hundred eighteen graduates of a competitive teacher preparation program with widely varying levels of total years commitment to the job completed a measure of three dimensions of perfectionism—standards (holding oneself to high standards), order (valuing neatness, tidiness, and being disciplined), and discrepancy (perceiving a gap between ambitions and abilities)—and gave information about their personal backgrounds and work histories. Results suggest that none of the dimensions of perfectionism predict teacher commitment in the sample as a whole, but that the order dimension significantly predicts long-term commitment to struggling urban versus affluent suburban schools. These results imply that long-term urban teachers may be adept at overlooking difficult and sometimes chaotic circumstances to sust...
DUAL-ENERGY CORONARY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EVALUATION OF HIGH-RISK ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE IN SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH PATIENTS: VALIDATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGIC GOLD STANDARD

Background: Dual-energy CT (DECT) may permit monochromatic energy (MCE) imaging for identifying necrotic core (NC) as a proxy of high-risk plaque. To date, the exact MCE reconstruction mode that optimizes NC visualization by DECT remains unclear. Methods: Coronary specimens from 18 post-mortem
Use of bone scans during initial prostate cancer (CaP) workup, downstream procedures, and associated Medicare costs.

5040 Background: Bone scans are not recommended in the routine workup for patients with apparent low and intermediate risk CaP. We quantified the use of bone scans in low and intermediate risk pati...
Enterobius vermicularis (Linnaeus 1758)

Enterobius vermicularis, coomonly known as pinworm, in the etiologic agent of the the most pervalent nematode infection of humans in temperate climates, affecting mainly children less than 12 years of age. Transmission of enterobiasis is especially frequent in elementary shools and day-care centers. 1 It has no host other than humans.
QuaSim: A virtual quantum cryptography educator

This paper describes a project-based gamified educational paradigm, QuaSim, that aims to improve the quality and efficiency of undergraduate STEM education. QuaSim is designed to educate junior/senior undergraduate and graduate students in quantum cryptographic principles. QuaSim converts the traditional subject-based lectures in the field of quantum cryptography into a project-based virtual environment with the aim to teach students, the subject matter, interactively.
Graph-Based Path Selection and Power Allocation for DF Relay-Aided Transmission

In this letter, we study path selection and power allocation for decode-and-forward relay-aided systems with multiple source, relay, and destination nodes. To take fairness among different links into account, we aim at maximizing the minimum source-relay-destination link rate under two scenarios depending on whether source nodes have their targeted destination nodes or not. For each scenario, graph-based algorithms are proposed to find the optimal solutions for cases with/without sum power constraints on relay nodes.
Quality Quandaries: Predicting a Population of Curves

KEY POINTA random effects spline regression model based on splines provides an integrated approach for analyzing functional data, i.e., curves, when the shape of the curves is not parametrically specified. An analysis using this model is presented that makes inferences about a population of curves as well as features of the curves.
A Cost Efficient Multicast Nonblocking Interconnection Network

Interconnection networks lie at the heart of parallel processing architectures for big data, because the way that machines, processors or memory modules connected to each other has a significant effect on the scalability, reliability, cost and performance. For example, an interconnection network with multicast capability can distribute data from a single source to all the destinations in a one-shot manner, eliminating unnecessary duplications and minimizing communication delays. Also, a nonblocking interconnection network delivers guaranteed path availability to any connection requests, without interference to existing connections. However, implementing multicast nonblocking networks imposes great challenges to designers because both of them demand high hardware cost. To deal with this problem, we propose a novel type of interconnection network, named Multicast Capable Low-cost Network (MCL), which is both nonblocking for multicast traffic and cost efficient. We first design the topologies and routing algorithms for MCL, and then prove its multicast nonblocking properties. Most importantly, we show that MCL achieves outstanding cost efficiency. To be specific, our explicitly constructed MCL has the cost of O(N 5 4 ). This hardware cost achieves a new record low, comparing to previous solutions which deliver the same performance.
Digging deeper: Shared deep structures of early literacy and mathematics involve symbolic mapping and relational reasoning

Abstract This study was based on the hypothesis that symbolic mapping and relational reasoning are part of the deep structure of both early literacy and mathematics. Eighty-six preschool children completed a range of symbolic, relational, literacy, and mathematics measures, as well as a measure of their receptive vocabulary. Results were consistent with the study’s hypothesis. Symbolic and relational scores were related to performance in both literacy and mathematics. Literacy and mathematics tasks grouped together in factor analyses according to hypothesized symbolic and relational demands. Further, the resulting cross-domain factor scores were related to symbolic and relational factor scores as predicted. Thus, symbolic mapping and relational reasoning were found to be cognitive processes related to both early literacy and mathematics, suggesting potential target areas for future intervention research. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for better understanding the relation between literacy and mathematics and for early childhood instruction.
A new class of synthetic retinoid antibiotics effective against bacterial persisters

A challenge in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections is the high prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains and the formation of non-growing, dormant 'persister' subpopulations that exhibit high levels of tolerance to antibiotics and have a role in chronic or recurrent infections. As conventional antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of infections caused by such bacteria, novel antibacterial therapeutics are urgently required. Here we used a Caenorhabditis elegans-MRSA infection screen to identify two synthetic retinoids, CD437 and CD1530, which kill both growing and persister MRSA cells by disrupting lipid bilayers. CD437 and CD1530 exhibit high killing rates, synergism with gentamicin, and a low probability of resistance selection. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the ability of retinoids to penetrate and embed in lipid bilayers correlates with their bactericidal ability. An analogue of CD437 was found to retain anti-persister activity and show an improved cytotoxicity profile. Both CD437 and this analogue, alone or in combination with gentamicin, exhibit considerable efficacy in a mouse model of chronic MRSA infection. With further development and optimization, synthetic retinoids have the potential to become a new class of antimicrobials for the treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infections that are currently difficult to cure.
Comparative Surgical Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery

Overwhelmingly, the evidence points to bariatric surgery as the best option to counteract the rising worldwide epidemic of obesity and related comorbidities. Increasing utilization of this resource calls for a better understanding of key available surgical choices. This review will discuss the comparative effectiveness and complications of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS). Randomized clinical trials suggest long-term weight loss, and diabetes improvement may be superior for BPD/DS compared to SG, with RYGB somewhere in the middle. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) outcomes may be superior for RYGB. Improvement in dyslipidemia and hypertension is appreciated following all three operations, and clear superiority cannot be concluded. While mortality, bleeding, leaks, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) appear to be highest after BPD/DS with lower rates for RYGB, and lowest following SG, wide variation exists regarding readmission and reoperation rates. Additional large reports derived from national or statewide prospectively maintained databases with standardized data collection and risk-adjusted reporting are needed to close the knowledge gaps in comparative outcomes for these key operations and ultimately help individualize the surgical management of obesity and related comorbidities.
Influence of moisture on the insulation characteristics of nitrogen

AbstractUsing N2 or dry air to replace SF6 as high-voltage switchgear insulation media is a hot topic in the development of environmental friendly switching equipment. In order to make switchgear equipment with N2 has a much compact structure in space, engineers should fully understand the insulation characteristics of N2. In this paper, the breakdown characteristics of N2 at power frequency and with lightning pulse in the sphere-plate electrodes has been investigated and the effect of humidity on breakdown voltage analyzed. From the test results, it was revealed that the AC and impulse breakdown voltages of N2 were not seriously affected by different moisture content ranging from 0 to 1000 μL/L in N2. And the breakdown voltage was decreased 8~15% with increasing moisture contents from 1500 to 2000 μL/L.
Multi-omic profiling of TKI resistant K562 cells suggests metabolic reprogramming to promote cell survival

Resistance to chemotherapy can occur through a wide variety of mechanisms. Typically, resistant to targeted drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is thought to arise from kinase mutations or signaling pathway reprogramming. However, off-target adaptations enabling survival in the presence of TKIs are poorly understood. Previously, we established cell line resistance models for the three main TKIs used for treating chronic myeloid leukemia in the clinic, and found that their resistance to cell death was not entirely correlated with their resistance to kinase inhibition. In the present study, we performed global, integrated proteomic and transcriptomic profiling of these cell lines to describe the mechanisms of resistance at the protein and gene expression level. We used whole transcriptome RNA sequencing and SWATH-based data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). This MS approach provides quantitative measurements of proteins without requiring isotopic labels. The proteomic and transcriptional data were correlated to generate an integrated understanding of the gene expression and protein alterations associated with TKI resistance. We identified mechanisms of resistance that were unique to each TKI. Additionally, we defined mechanisms of resistance that were common to all TKIs tested. Resistance to all of the TKIs was associated with the oxidative stress responses, hypoxia signatures, and apparent metabolic reprogramming of the cells. Metabolite profiling and glucose-dependence experiments showed that the resistant cells relied on glycolysis (particularly through the pentose phosphate pathway) more heavily than the sensitive cells, which supported the idea that metabolism alterations were associated with resistant cell survival. These experiments are the first to report a global, integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of TKI resistance. These data suggest that targeting metabolic pathways along with TKI treatment may overcome pan-TKI resistance.
5 – Cost-Cumulants and Risk-Sensitive Control

Cost-cumulant control, also known as statistical control, is an optimal control method that minimizes a linear combination of quadratic cost cumulants. Risk-sensitive control is an optimal control method that minimizes the exponential of the quadratic cost criterion. This is equivalent to optimizing adenumerable sum of all the cost cumulants. This chapter describes linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG), minimal cost variance (MCV), and risk-sensitive (RS) controls in terms of the cost cumulants. Cost cumulant control, which is also called statistical control, views the optimization criterion as a random variable and minimizes any cumulant of the optimization criterion. Then LQG, MCV, and RS are all special cases of cost cumulant control where in LQG the mean, in MCV the variance, and in RS all cumulants of the cost function are optimized. This chapter provides the optimal controllers for the LQG, MCV, and RS methods. Finally, satellite attitude control application using RS controller and building control application using MCV controller are also described.
Choosing the Probability Distribution When No Data

Sometimes the analyst may need to develop a computer simulation model that includes one or more variables where no empirical or sample data is available. This is where he/she seeks opinions from one or more experts who give some estimates on the characteristics of the variable. The chapter pertains to these situations and shows some of the common ways to select the probability distribution and estimate the associated parameters.
Mechanisms of diffusion in associative polymer networks: evidence for chain hopping

Networks assembled by reversible association of telechelic polymers constitute a common class of soft materials. Various mechanisms of chain migration in associative networks have been proposed; yet there remains little quantitative experimental data to discriminate among them. Proposed mechanisms for chain migration include multichain aggregate diffusion as well as single-chain mechanisms such as “walking” and “hopping”, wherein diffusion is achieved by either partial (“walking”) or complete (“hopping”) disengagement of the associated chain segments. Here, we provide evidence that hopping can dominate the effective diffusion of chains in associative networks due to a strong entropic penalty for bridge formation imposed by local network structure; chains become conformationally restricted upon association with two or more spatially separated binding sites. This restriction decreases the effective binding strength of chains with multiple associative domains, thereby increasing the probability that a chain ...
Understanding China’s environmental challenges: lessons from documentaries

Films can be powerful tools in teaching environmental studies. In this paper, we examined 36 environmental documentaries on China for their content, theme, production, and reception with a view towards using them as teaching tools. In our analysis, the films roughly fall into five categories: (1) globalization and global environmental justice, (2) urbanization and displacement, (3) human-nature relationships, (4) the fossil fuel economy, and finally, (5) civil society and the environmental movement. We also discuss the politics of documentary-making in China. Many of the independent filmmakers identify as activists and present alternative perspectives to mainstream narratives. They strive to document the realities among the marginalized populations. Close to half of the documentaries we analyzed are censored in China due to either foreign production, collective action potential, or excessive popularity. Despite political constraints, high-profile environmental documentaries have enabled a number of significant policy changes in China in recent years. In sum, this paper can serve as a “viewing guide” for students and instructors to learn about China’s environmental challenges through films.
Large teams develop and small teams disrupt science and technology

One of the most universal trends in science and technology today is the growth of large teams in all areas, as solitary researchers and small teams diminish in prevalence1-3. Increases in team size have been attributed to the specialization of scientific activities3, improvements in communication technology4,5, or the complexity of modern problems that require interdisciplinary solutions6-8. This shift in team size raises the question of whether and how the character of the science and technology produced by large teams differs from that of small teams. Here we analyse more than 65 million papers, patents and software products that span the period 1954-2014, and demonstrate that across this period smaller teams have tended to disrupt science and technology with new ideas and opportunities, whereas larger teams have tended to develop existing ones. Work from larger teams builds on more-recent and popular developments, and attention to their work comes immediately. By contrast, contributions by smaller teams search more deeply into the past, are viewed as disruptive to science and technology and succeed further into the future-if at all. Observed differences between small and large teams are magnified for higher-impact work, with small teams known for disruptive work and large teams for developing work. Differences in topic and research design account for a small part of the relationship between team size and disruption; most of the effect occurs at the level of the individual, as people move between smaller and larger teams. These results demonstrate that both small and large teams are essential to a flourishing ecology of science and technology, and suggest that, to achieve this, science policies should aim to support a diversity of team sizes.
Right-Angle Black Phosphorus Tunneling Field Effect Transistor

We report experimental demonstration of a right-angle black phosphorus (BP) tunneling field effect transistor (TFET). This device utilizes the effective mass anisotropy between the armchair (AC) and zigzag (ZZ) crystal orientations in BP as a means of inducing asymmetry between source and drain tunneling. As a result of this asymmetry, the BP TFET displays a higher ${I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON}} / {I}_{ \mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle OFF}}$ ratio by 2 orders of magnitude and steeper SS than BP TFETs oriented along either the AC or ZZ direction only.
Derivation and Internal Validation of a Clinical Prediction Tool to Predict Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND Crohn's disease (CD) patients have more than double the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared with the general population after considering traditional risk factors. NAFLD remains underappreciated because routine imaging and liver biochemistries are neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis. Here we developed a Clinical Prediction Tool for NAFLD in CD (CPN-CD) using readily accessible parameters to diagnose NAFLD, as determined by magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (PDFF). METHODS A total of 311 consecutive CD patients who underwent magnetic resonance enterography from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018, were screened for NAFLD, defined as a PDFF >5.5% after excluding other liver diagnoses. CPN-CD was derived using binary multivariate logistic regression and internally validated with a 10-fold cross-validation. CPN-CD was compared with the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) by the C-statistic and categorical Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI). RESULTS CPN-CD included age, sex, ethnicity/race, serum alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, known cardiometabolic diagnoses, CD duration, and current use of azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine. At <20% risk, NAFLD could be excluded with a sensitivity of 86% (negative predictive value, 86%). At ≥50% risk, NAFLD was diagnosed with a specificity of 87% (positive predictive value, 75%). CPN-CD exhibited good discrimination (C-statistic 0.85) compared with fair discrimination of the HSI (C-statistic, 0.76). CPN-CD was superior to the HSI by net reclassification improvement (+0.20; P < 0.001) and decision curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS CPN-CD outperforms HSI in detecting NAFLD in patients with CD. Future directions include external validation, outcome validation, and testing generalizability to patients with ulcerative colitis.
A Brief History of Frederick D. Bennett's Entomological Career

Fred Bennett was a legend in biological control before he was hired by the University of Florida, which surely was the reason he was snapped up. The position he was offered was that of Graduate Research Professor made available by the retirement of Reece Sailer in 1985. Fred had been the Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, based in Trinidad, West Indies, but also with station units at that time in England, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Switzerland. Established to mitigate pest problems in Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control now worked also under contract in non-Commonwealth countries. That caused Fred to travel widely for research projects and to attend scientific meetings. Although biological control calls for expertise in applied ecology and ethology, knowledge of various taxonomic groups helps very much. Fred's taxonomic interests are in bees, Sphingidae, and in scale insects and their chalcidoid parasitoids (Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, and Eulophidae). Fred was born and educated in Canada, performed his Ph.D. research in California, was employed briefly in Bermuda, then Trinidad, and finally Florida. As Graduate Research Professor at the University of Florida he was popular, mentored graduate students, and worked with faculty members of the Entomology & Nematology Department in Gainesville, and at various Research Stations in Florida. When he retired with his wife Betty in 1993, he moved to the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, where he continued entomologizing and publishing. Why there? Because it was close to England where his daughter and 2 sons live.
Benchmarking Optimization Software - a (Hi)Story

For more than twenty years, we are benchmarking optimization software. In late 2018, an event had a major impact (the “story”) on this service which had gained considerable notoriety. The history up to this point is sketched and the developments to late 2019 and hopefully beyond are described.
Thermal Stress Concentration Factors in Large Shafts

The concentration of thermal stress in a shaft subjected to a ramp surface temperature change has been investigated. The concentration occurs at a step change in shaft diameter, and the temperature and stress responses are calculated by the finite element method. A thermal stress concentration factor (TSCF) is defined, and an analytical expression is given which defines the concentration factor in terms of the geometric parameters. Over the range of transient conditions studied, it is observed that the TSCF is insensitive to the surface temperature ramp rate. A comparison illustrates that the TSCF can be significantly different in numerical value than mechanical stress concentration factors.
Face Reenactment Based Facial Expression Recognition

Representations used for Facial Expression Recognition (FER) are usually contaminated with identity specific features. In this paper, we propose a novel Reenactment-based Expression-Representation Learning Generative Adversarial Network (REL-GAN) that employs the concept of face reenactment to disentangle facial expression features from identity information. In this method, the facial expression representation is learned by reconstructing an expression image employing an encoder-decoder based generator. More specifically, our method learns the disentangled expression representation by transferring the expression information from the source image to the identity of the target image. Experiments performed on widely used datasets (BU-3DFE, CK+, Oulu-CASIA, SEFW) show that the proposed technique produces comparable or better results than state-of-the-art methods.
Right-handed neutrinos and U(1) X symmetry-breaking

In [1] we proposed a model for Heterotic F-theory duality with Wilson line symmetry-breaking and a 4 + 1 split of the F-theory spectral divisor. One goal of this note is to call attention to the existence of right-handed neutrinos in our F-theory model. As pointed out in section 4 of [2] such existence may be evidence for the U(1)X-symmetry that remains after the Higgsing of E8 via E8 ⇒ SU(5)gauge ⊕ [SU(4) ⊕ U(1)X]Higgs occasioned by the 4 + 1 split of the spectral divisor. In addition, as a result of the ℤ2-action that supports the Wilson line we argue that the U(1)X-symmetry is, in fact, broken to ℤ2-matter parity. Finally we identify co-dimension 3 singularities which determine Yukawa couplings for the MSSM matter fields.
Determination of selenium in human blood serum. Comparison of two atomic-absorption spectrometric procedures

Two atomic-absorption spectrometric procedures, a direct method using a graphite furnace and an acid digestion followed by hydride-generation, are compared for the determination of selenium in human blood serum. No interferences are found for the graphite furnace method when Zeeman-effect background correction, atomization off a L'vov Platform, and a mixed copper and iron matrix modifier are used. Also no interferences are found for the hydride-generation procedure if a small enough volume of the digestion solution (corresponding to 20 μl of serum) is used for the determination in a large enough volume of hydrochloric acid. Average values of 60 and 68 μg/l of Se in serum were obtained with the graphite furnace, and the hydridegeneration procedure, respectively. The lower values for the direct procedure are probably due to some losses of a volatile selenium compound present in undigested serum. Our values even with an acid digestion are lower than most other “normal” values reported for selenium in serum.
Biofloc removal by the oyster Crassostrea gasar as a candidate species to an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system with the marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Abstract Currently, aquaculture seeks to implement production models that keep up with the global demands for sustainability and reduced environmental impacts. One of the options adopted is integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), which cultivates species of different trophic levels, improving the use of nutrients and increasing the economic profitability of the system. On the other hand, the Biofloc Technology system (BFT) has also been highlighted as an important eco-friendly activity. In an attempt to reduce total suspended solids (TSS) and in accordance with the IMTA principles, the present work evaluated the action of the oyster Crassostrea gasar on the reduction of TSS and its influence on the microbial community present on the bioflocs. An experiment with two treatments (With and Without Oyster) was carried out in waters from an ongoing marine shrimp crop. The experiment lasted for 5 days, when water samples and oyster stomach content were collected for analysis of microorganisms. The water quality parameters did not show significant differences. The TSS and aggregates number also showed no differences between treatments, indicating that the presence of oysters did not influence the amount of total suspended solids. However, the predominance of flagellates in the stomach contents of the bivalves indicates a prey selectivity by C. gasar by this microorganism. Thus, it is likely that C. gasar is not an effective tool to reduce suspended solids in IMTA, but this organism can highly benefited from protozoan present in BFT system.
Contour Map Point Distribution and Surgeon Experience Level Affect Accuracy of Surgical Navigation in a Pilot Study.

Background:Reliable use of surgical navigation depends upon the registration process. The gold standard is paired-point registration with bone-anchored fiducials, but contour-map registration is mo...
Some Recent Data on the Q-Subregion Genes and Their Products

For the last ten years we have concentrated our studies on the Q genes of the murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC). These genes determine a series of class I molecules which are 80–90% homologous to the more classical H-2K and H-2D genes. Because of this homology, we have frequently hypothesized that these genes have an important function in the immune system. However, recent data showing large deletions in the Q subregion, without any overt effects on survival, have cast some doubt on this hypothesis.
Visual Imagery and Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) and its technical support drivers is first described; then applications that drive VR are listed together with engineering design features. A basic theme is that normal vision depends upon a set of perceptual visual illusions, such as continuity and 3D-ness of the world, and that these work equally well in virtual environments. An important visual illusion, that of the ‘completeness and clarity’ of our visual world, must be a ‘top-down’ perceptual phenomenon and is explicable on the basis of the scanpath theory. This theory states that active looking and perception are controlled by an internal cognitive model. New evidence for this control of the sparse sampling in time and space of the visual world comes from visual imagery experiments; quantitative methods for assessment have been developed. Finally, perceptual philosophical thought is used to situate this new scientific evidence.
The Chest in the Neonate and Young Infant

Rapid physiological changes occur in the first minutes and hours of a newborn’s life. The fluid-filled lungs empty of surfactant-rich fluid and fill with air. The circulatory system is dramatically changed when the ductus arteriosus closes. The lungs now receive a major influx of blood, and gaseous exchange occurs. During subsequent days to weeks, the pulmonary artery pressures fall from near systemic values. This drop in pulmonary vascular resistance permits clinical recognition of left-to-right shunts, such as ventricular septal defects and atrial septal defects.
Bleeding due to deficiency of plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA) and plasma thromboplastin component (PTC): report of nine cases.

Abstract Nine patients who had hemophilioid disorders were studied. Five patients were deficient in plasma thromboplastin component (PTC deficiency or Christmas disease), and four had an abnormality resembling deficiency of plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA). Preoperative transfusion apparently was of definite help in preventing postoperative hemorrhagic complications. The past history indicated that eight of the patients had experienced definite hemorrhagic complications during previous surgical treatment. These cases illustrate the importance of a careful preoperative history of past surgical and traumatic experiences and bleeding tendencies, both personal and familial.
When Government Intervenes: Winding Up Fraudulent Companiesin Hong Kong

Most corporate insolvencies in Hong Kong are commenced by a creditor on the ground that the debtor company is unable to pay its debts. However, each year a small number of liquidations are commenced by a regulatory authority or a government official – namely, the Registrar of Companies, the Financial Secretary, the Securities and Futures Commission, or the Insurance Authority – against companies that are allegedly engaged in illegal or fraudulent activities. These filings are made on ‘public interest’, unfair prejudice, or other statutory grounds, irrespective of whether insolvency can be proved. Allowing regulatory authorities or government officials to intervene against companies through the filing of winding-up petitions is an important statutory remedy that is intended to deter companies from engaging in wrongful or fraudulent behaviour. The existing statutory framework for the commencement of liquidations by regulatory authorities and government officials is quite complicated because the relevant statutory provisions are not consolidated in a single ordinance. This article provides an overview and analysis of this statutory structure and suggests how it could be improved.
Aging interventions get human

Over the last three decades, aging research has made great strides. At least in non-vertebrate animal models such as yeast and worms, it is possible to extend lifespan through reduced or ablated expression of hundreds of genes. The number of genes tested in mice are substantially less but the data so far is consistent with modulation of aging by numerous genes and pathways. More importantly, evidence exists that many of these genetic interventions extend healthspan and protect against the onset of age-associated chronic diseases. Recently, small molecules have entered center stage, with both natural products and clinically approved compounds reported to delay aging [1].
Evaluating the effect of bit rate on the quality of portable ultrasound video

This study analyzes the effect of bit rate on real time, wireless, and secure medical ultrasound video transmission quality. In order to achieve a thorough quality analysis, transmitted ultrasound video of varying bit rates was analyzed through both objective and subjective assessments. Objective assessment calculations of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM) indicate that as bit rate decreases, ultrasound video quality also decreases. For subjective assessments, ultrasound trained medical professionals evaluated the video and rated its quality using Mean Opinion Scores. The resulting data is used to develop a minimum bit rate threshold to ensure transmitted video is of adequate quality so that physicians may make an accurate diagnosis. A correlation is made and a minimum bit rate threshold of 1 Mbps is established. This bit rate threshold is the first quality standard for real time wirelessly transmitted ultrasound video, is needed to optimize quality and time delay, and can provide a reference bit rate for the transmission of other types of medical video.
High-resolution NMR methods for study of higher plants.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the means to obtain high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data from living plant cells and tissues. High resolution NMR spectroscopy can provide plant biologists with information on the types of low-molecular-weight metabolites in plant cells, their relative concentrations, their mobility, and their interactions with other species such as H + or paramagnetic ions. The chapter focuses on one-dimensional NMR. The most important magnetic isotopes in biological NMR are 1 H, 13 C, 15 N, and 31 P. The term high resolution NMR implies observation of distinct signals in spectra. The distinct signals can reflect different chemical groups; this effect is the chemical shift, and the spectral axis is generally labeled “chemical shift.” NMR probes are aluminum-bodied cylinders inserted into the magnet bore. They contain a coil of copper wire or foil that surrounds the sample tube. The expense of NMR reflects technological effort aimed at overcoming the inherent insensitivity of the method. NMR signals can readily be obtained from metabolites present at 10 -3 M.
Machine Translation among Languages with Transitivity Divergences Using the Causal Relation in the Interlingual Lexicon

This paper proposes a design of verb entries in Interlingua to facilitate the machine translation (MT) of two languages with transitivity divergence as derived from their shared and individual linguistic characteristics. It suggests that the transitivity difference is best treated with verb entries containing information of the causal relation of the expressed events. It also demonstrates how the proposed design of verb entries gives a principled treatment of aspect divergence in semantically corresponding verbs of a source language (SL) and a target language (TL). Although the current paper focuses on English and Japanese, the proposed treatment should be applicable to the MT of similarly divergent languages, since the proposed lexicon in language-independent Interlingua contains information on causal relations of events as necessary to bridge the transitivity difference.