cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonasymptotic species richness models and the insects of british trees.

Abstract Nonasymptotic models of species diversity are those that do not consider negative feedback between number of species in a biota and the net rate of species addition. These models propose species richness differences to be primarily the product of geologic age differences among biotas. Nonasymptotic explanations are traditional for various diversity difference spectra, including latitudinal diversity gradients and the greater species richness of ancient compared to young lakes. I review new evidence that renders these nonasymptotic explanations doubtful. The only uncontested evidence in favor of nonasymptotic species accumulation is Southwood's correlation between the number of insect species associated with British tree taxa and the number of Quaternary fossil records of these taxa. I show that nonasymptotic explanations of species richness variation are unacceptable for this system also. The variation in insect species richness among these taxa is well accounted for by a species-area relationship. The species richness asymptote is attained within a few hundred years, and the influence of cumulative host taxon abundance (number of fossil records) upon insect species richness is insignificant after the statistical influence of present-day host plant range is removed. I conclude Southwood's correlation to lack causality; it probably derives from a correlation between the number of fossil records of the host taxa and their present range.
Bridging the design time -- use time divide: towards a future of designing in use

Meta-design theory emphasizes that future use can never be entirely anticipated at design time, as users shape their environments in response to emerging needs; systems should therefore be designed to adapt to future conditions in the hands of end users. In our increasingly complex technological environments, tomorrow's meta-designers must be able to anticipate the environment in which the end users will work in order to provide the flexibility for users to craft their tools. By exploring and projecting forward current trends in technology use, I have identified key principles for meta-designers and suggest that using them as design heuristics will aid meta-designers in crafting systems for future end-users. My doctoral research aims to validate and critique these meta-design principles.
A prolate-spheroidal impulse-radiating antenna system to launch and focus 100-ps pulses for melanoma treatment

This paper briefly reviews the design of a prolate-spheroidal impulse-radiating antenna system, to launch and focus fast (100 ps) high-voltage (> 100 kV) pulses, as a non-invasive tool for melanoma (skin cancer) treatment. The experiments on a graded five-layer dielectric lens, designed to match the pulses into a biological target medium, are outlined. The design of a switch system to launch high-voltage spherical TEM pulses is also summarized.
Multiple Health Behavior Change: Game On or Time Out?:

This review discusses evidence-based perspectives on multiple health behavior change and related interventions. Future directions for inquiry and practice also are addressed.
Isotope hydrology and baseflow geochemistry in natural and human-altered watersheds in the Inland Pacific Northwest, USA.

This study presents a stable isotope hydrology and geochemical analysis in the inland Pacific Northwest (PNW) of the USA. Isotope ratios were used to estimate mean transit times (MTTs) in natural and human-altered watersheds using the FLOWPC program. Isotope ratios in precipitation resulted in a regional meteoric water line of δ2H = 7.42·δ18O + 0.88 (n = 316; r2 = 0.97). Isotope compositions exhibited a strong temperature-dependent seasonality. Despite this seasonal variation, the stream δ18O variation was small. A significant regression (τ = 0.11D−1.09; r2 = 0.83) between baseflow MTTs and the damping ratio was found. Baseflow MTTs ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 years (human-altered), 0.7 to 1.7 years (mining-altered), and 0.7 to 3.2 years (forested). Greater MTTs were represented by more homogenous aqueous chemistry whereas smaller MTTs resulted in more dynamic compositions. The isotope and geochemical data presented provide a baseline for future hydrological modelling in the inland PNW.
Performance Of The Large-Area Detectors For The Burst And Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) On The Gamma Ray Observatory

BATSE, one of four experiments on the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), is expected to provide the most sensitive observations of gamma-ray bursts yet obtained, as well as to provide long-term monitoring of hard X-ray and low-energy gamma-ray emission from bright pulsating sources, transients, and solar flares. Eight uncollimated modules, positioned at the corners of the spacecraft to provide an unobstructed view of the sky, detect sources by various techniques based on time variability. Use of detectors with anisotropic response allows location of gamma-ray bursts to be determined to an accuracy of about 1 deg using BATSE data alone. The completed BATSE underwent intensive testing and calibration prior to its delivery in October 1988.
Insufficiency in a new temporal-artery thermometer for adult and pediatric patients.

SensorTouch™ is a new noninvasive temperature monitor and consists of an infrared scanner that detects the highest temperature on the skin of the forehead, presumably over the temporal artery. The device estimates core temperature (Tcore). We tested the hypothesis that the SensorTouch™ is sufficiently precise and accurate for routine clinical use. We studied adults (n 15) and children (n 16) who developed mild fever, a core temperature of at least 37.8°C, after cardiopulmonary bypass. Temperature was recorded at 15-min intervals throughout recovery with the SensorTouch™ thermometer and from the pulmonary artery (adults) or bladder (children). Pulmonary artery (Tcore) and SensorTouch™ (Tst) temperatures correlated poorly in adults: Tcore 0.7 Tst 13, r 2 0.3. Infrared and pulmonary artery temperatures differed by 1.3 0.6°C; 89% of the adult temperatures thus differed by more than 0.5°C. Bladder and infrared temperatures correlated somewhat better in pediatric patients: Tcore 0.9 Tst 12, r 2 0.6. Infrared and bladder temperatures in children differed by only 0.3°C, but the sd of the difference was 0.5°C. Thus, 31% of the values in the infants and children differed by more than 0.5°C. (Anesth Analg 2002;95:67–71)
GABAA receptor δ subunit deletion prevents neurosteroid modulation of inhibitory synaptic currents in cerebellar neurons

Abstract The δ subunit of the GABAA receptor has been reported to play a pivotal role in neurosteroid modulation. We investigated the action of the neurosteroid THDOC on GABAA receptor–mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) recorded in cerebellar neurons from δ subunit knockout mice. We observed that the neurosteroid failed to prolong IPSCs in granule neurons in cerebellar slices from these mice. This was in contrast to robust potentiation observed in wild-type mice. However, in stellate neurons, naturally devoid of δ subunit, a significant reduction of neurosteroid action on sIPSCs recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin (mIPSCs) was also observed in mice that lack the δ subunit. Given the reported role of intracellular protein kinase C modulation of neurosteroid activity, we investigated the action of THDOC by recording sIPSCs and mIPSCs from δ-deficient mice with intracellular perfusion of a kinase stimulator. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) completely restored the action of the neurosteroid on synaptic currents in both granule and stellate neurons.
Determination of Linkages in β-d-Glucans From Phaseolus aureus by exo-β-(1→3)-d-Glucanase

An alkali-insoluble glucan synthesized from UDP-d-glucose by the particulate enzyme system from Phaseolus aureus is hydrolyzed by a highly purified exo-β-(1 → 3)-d-glucanase to d-glucose, to the extent of 91% in 24 hr. The alkali-insoluble glucan from GDP-d-glucose formed by the particulate enzyme system from the same plant which is known to be (from chemical data) a β-(1 → 4)-d-glucan (cellulose) is not acted upon by this glucanase.
Hypogonadism in elderly men--what to do until the evidence comes.

Testosterone treatment for elderly men made the news again recently, when the Institute of Medicine Committee on Assessing the Need for Clinical Trials of Testosterone Replacement Therapy issued its long-awaited report,1 which concluded that there is insufficient evidence that testosterone treatment benefits elderly men. What is the background behind this report, and what are its implications? Many studies document that serum testosterone concentrations in men decrease as they age. In contrast to the precipitous and profound decrease in estradiol concentrations that occur when women enter menopause, the decrease in testosterone in men occurs moderately and gradually over a period of . . .
Images in vascular medicine Coil embolization of a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation

A 25-year-old woman presented 11 days post uncomplicated caesarean delivery with new-onset dyspnea on exertion and trace hemoptysis. She was previously healthy, but reported a history of hemoptysis in her father and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) diagnosed in her sister. She was referred to interventional radiology for endovascular treatment of a large right-sided pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) discovered on magnetic resonance angiography (reconstructed in Panel A). The PAVMwas demonstrated angiographically (Panel B) and successfully coil-embolized with total cessation of  ow across the shunt (Panel C). The patient reported immediate relief of her dyspnea. Room-air oxygen saturation improved from 93% on 2 liters of oxygen to 98% on room air following embolization.
Worldviews of Adult Learning in the Workplace: A Core Concept in Human Resource Development

The problem and the solution. The workplace, classrooms, and the world in general are becoming increasingly diverse. Globalization, communications technology, immigration, an increased focus on rel...
Data Estimation in Sensor Networks Using Physical and Statistical Methodologies

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are employed in many applications in order to collect data. One key challenge is to minimize energy consumption to prolong network lifetime. A scheme of making some nodes asleep and estimating their values according to the other active nodespsila readings has been proved energy-efficient. For the purpose of improving the precision of estimation, we propose two powerful estimation models, data estimation using physical model (DEPM) and data estimation using statistical model (DESM). DEPM estimates the values of sleeping nodes by the physical characteristics of sensed attributes, while DESM estimates the values through the spatial and temporal correlations of the nodes. Experimental results on real sensor networks show that the proposed techniques provide accurate estimations and conserve energy efficiently.
Systematic Phenotypic Screen of Arabidopsis Peroxisomal Mutants Identifies Proteins Involved in β-Oxidation

Peroxisomes are highly dynamic and multifunctional organelles essential to development. Plant peroxisomes accommodate a multitude of metabolic reactions, many of which are related to the β-oxidation of fatty acids or fatty acid-related metabolites. Recently, several dozens of novel peroxisomal proteins have been identified from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) through in silico and experimental proteomic analyses followed by in vivo protein targeting validations. To determine the functions of these proteins, we interrogated their transfer DNA insertion mutants with a series of physiological, cytological, and biochemical assays to reveal peroxisomal deficiencies. Sugar dependence and 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid response assays uncovered statistically significant phenotypes in β-oxidation-related processes in mutants for 20 of 27 genes tested. Additional investigations uncovered a subset of these mutants with abnormal seed germination, accumulation of oil bodies, and delayed degradation of long-chain fatty acids during early seedling development. Mutants for seven genes exhibited deficiencies in multiple assays, strongly suggesting the involvement of their gene products in peroxisomal β-oxidation and initial seedling growth. Proteins identified included isoforms of enzymes related to β-oxidation, such as acyl-CoA thioesterase2, acyl-activating enzyme isoform1, and acyl-activating enzyme isoform5, and proteins with functions previously unknown to be associated with β-oxidation, such as Indigoidine synthase A, Senescence-associated protein/B12D-related protein1, Betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase, and Unknown protein5. This multipronged phenotypic screen allowed us to reveal β-oxidation proteins that have not been discovered by single assay-based mutant screens and enabled the functional dissection of different isoforms of multigene families involved in β-oxidation.
On the Labeling, Length, and Objective Basis of Fischer Plots

ABSTRACT Fischer plots of the accumulation of shallow-marine carbonate cycles track the cumulative departure from mean cycle thickness through a vertical sequence of contiguous upward-shallowing units. This is a simple, objective treatment of residuals in a time series, and is applicable to other stratigraphic phenomena. To reflect the noninterpretive construction of Fischer plots, the vertical axis should be labeled "cumulative departure from mean cycle thickness" and the horizontal axis "cycle number". The typical Fischer plot is an erratic bridge that begins and ends at the same elevation but has the form of an irregular train of asymmetric waves, which rise steeply and fall gradually. The asymmetry of the individual waves arises because thinner-than-average cycles typically outnumber thick r cycles two to one. The overall form of the wave train is sensitive to mean cycle thickness, but can guide correlation and may have considerable interpretive potential, provided that enough cycles are included to ensure a robust estimate of mean thickness. Runs tests demonstrate that Fischer bridges for peritidal carbonates are unlikely to be the result of random stacking processes. Since this anticipated result does not emerge unequivocally for Fischer plots of less than 50 cycles, however, we recommend against plotting such short sections.
Embracing Uncertainty: An Exploration of the Experiences of Childhood Cancer Survivors:

Uncertainty is a central theme in the cancer survivorship and coping literature. Existing research on cancer-related uncertainty has primarily documented the adverse effects of existential uncertainty on survivors' well-being and located uncertainty within the stress and coping paradigm. Using in-depth qualitative interviews, the authors explores the paradoxical meanings and impact of uncertainty in the lives of long-term survivors of childhood cancer. The findings suggest that although uncertainty can be a source of distress, it can also be a catalyst for growth, a deepened appreciation for life, greater awareness of life purpose, development of confidence and resilience, and optimism. The results suggest that uncertainty is a dialectic phenomenon located within larger contexts of both stress and coping, and psychospiritual growth.
Observing behavior in a computer game.

Abstract Contingencies studied in lever-pressing procedures were incorporated into a popular computer game, "Star Trek," played by college students. One putative reinforcer, the opportunity to destroy Klingon invaders, was scheduled independently of responding according to a variable-time schedule that alternated unpredictably with equal periods of Klingon unavailability (mixed variable time, extinction schedule of reinforcement). Two commands ("observing responses") each produced stimuli that were either correlated or uncorrelated with the two components. In several variations of the basic game, an S-, or bad news, was not as reinforcing as an S+, or good news. In addition, in other conditions for the same subjects observing responses were not maintained better by bad news than by an uninformative stimulus. In both choices, more observing tended to be maintained by an S- for response-independent Klingons when its information could be (and was) used to advantage with respect to other types of reinforcement in the situation (Parts 1 and 2) than when the information could not be so used (Part 3). The findings favor the conditioned reinforcement hypothesis of observing behavior over the uncertainty-reduction hypothesis. This extends research to a more natural setting and to multialternative concurrent schedules of events of seemingly intrinsic value.
Accuracy of source localization based on squared-range least squares (SR-LS) criterion

An estimator for source localization from range measurements was recently proposed by Beck, Stoica, and Li. The method is based on minimizing a least squares criterion for the squared-ranges (SR-LS), and a key advantage is that the global minimum of the SR-LS criterion can be computed efficiently. If the range measurements are modeled with additive, Gaussian noise, then the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator minimizes the LS criterion based on the ranges (R-LS). However, no computationally efficient algorithm is currently known for finding the global minimum of R-LS, so it is useful to study the sensitivity of SR-LS to additive noise. We compare the asymptotic (large sample) accuracy of source location estimates based on the R-LS and SR-LS criteria to study the robustness of SR-LS to additive noise on the range measurements. The asymptotic covariance of SR-LS is equal to or greater than R-LS, and we provide compact matrix expressions for the difference. The covariance expressions are analyzed to gain insight regarding sensor geometries for which SR-LS is more sensitive to noise than R-LS. The case of three sensors is analyzed completely, and while sensor configurations exist for which the difference is unbounded, we show that these are peculiar limiting cases and that the difference is bounded in cases of practical interest.
Performing Experiments in Undergraduate Social Psychology Classes

Students in an undergraduate social psychology class selected two interesting experiments and developed a dramatic script to describe the research. Students located the necessary props and performed the play for the class. Student evaluations indicated that the exercise was informative and enjoyable.
An improved non-sequential MIMO QFT design method

This paper presents an improved non-sequential MIMO QFT design method for uncertain systems. The paper considers the robust stability of non-sequential MIMO QFT designed closed-loop control systems. A non-sequential MIMO QFT stability theorem is derived that serves as the basis for an improvement of the design methodology, whereby it can be successfully applied to non-minimum phase systems, albeit with a degree of conservatism partially inherent in independent and decentralised design methodologies. The results improve the non-sequential MIMO QFT design methodology and provide insight into the plant cases for which the methodology can be successfully applied.
SUPPRESSION OF IDIOTYPIC SPECIFICITIES IN ADULT MICE BY ADMINISTRATION OF ANTIIDIOTYPIC ANTIBODY

It has previously been shown that there are extensive idiotypic cross-reactions among antiphenylarsonate antibodies of A/J mice. The present work indicates that administration, into normal, adult A/J mice, of rabbit antiidiotypic antibody directed to A/J antiphenylarsonate antibody suppresses almost completely the subsequent production of antibody of the corresponding idiotype. No effect was noted on the formation of antibodies to the protein carrier or of antiphenylarsonate antibody of a different idiotype. The data are consistent with central suppression of production of the idiotypic antibody mediated through interaction with immunoglobulin receptors on lymphocytes.
Creating the Ethical Academy: A Systems Approach to Understanding Misconduct and Empowering Change in Higher Education (review)

(2012). Creating the Ethical Academy: A Systems Approach to Understanding Misconduct and Empowering Change in Higher Education. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 83, No. 5, pp. 761-763.
Influence of fat level and type of carbohydrate on the capacity of pectin in lowering serum and liver lipids of young rats

The effect of pectin on lowering cholesterol and fat concentration in tissues of the rat was investigated in relation to the level of fat and the type of carbohydrate. Groups of rats were fed nutritionally complete diets containing equal protein: energy, varied with 5% (low-fat, 2% corn oil plus 3% beff tallow) or 20% (high-fat, 2% corn oil plus 18% beef tallow) fat and cornstarch or sucrose as carbohydrate for 2 weeks. Although there were no interactions, the feeding of pectin reduced the cholesterol level in liver and serum from dietary cholesterol to a greater degree in rats fed the low-fat than in those fed the high-fat diet. This effectiveness also varied with type of carbohydrate. In the low-fat diet, this effectiveness was higher with sucrose than with cornstarch, but in the high-fat diet, it was reversed. The size of perirenal fat pads and the concentrations of total liver lipid and cholesterol were less in rats fed the high-fat pectin diet than in those fed the high-fat diet without pectin, indicating that pectin also had an ability to lower fat absorption. When the level of serum alkaline phosphatase was lowered, pectin was more effective in lowering cholesterol level. This phenomenon, however, seemed due to the type of carbohydrate and fat rather than the cholesterol in the diet. Dietary cholesterol had no effect on the size of perirenal fat pads, but increased liver lipid content greatly in rats fed the high-fat diet. Dietary pectin increased the rate of removal of serum cholesterol, and a similar trend was shown in liver cholesterol which had accumulated from the pre-fed hyper-cholesterol diet.
Content Retrieval Delay Driven by Caching Policy and Source Selection

In this paper we study the content retrieval delay in a hybrid content distribution system, e.g., emerging content clouds [1], where a requested content item can be vertically retrieved from the central server and horizontally retrieved from network nodes. The content retrieval delay depends on the load intensities of the retrieval sources, which have asymmetric system properties such as bandwidth and cache capacity. The retrieval traffic arises due to heterogeneous content availability, i.e., content diffusion resulting from the applied caching policies, and the selection of retrieval sources. To optimize the retrieval delay, the advantages of the network nodes should be utilized while also leveraging the caching and retrieval capacity of the server. The traffic loads and latency of a given combination of source selection and caching policy is derived based on the content diffusion and distribution in the entire system. The simulation and analytical results show that satisfactory content retrieval delay is achieved when the retrieval selection is load aware and the caching policies can effectively utilize the cache storage and retrieval capacity of both the network nodes and the server.
Controlled Concrete Demolition Using Expansive Cracking Agents

The demolition of concrete is a common part of many renovation and rehabilitation projects in the construction industry. Traditional means for demolishing concrete include the use of jackhammers, explosives, and high-pressure water blasting. On some projects, it may be required to confine the demolition to a small portion of the structure or to a shallow depth on a concrete member. If this is the case, the use of traditional demolition methods may not be feasible or may require special precautions and procedures. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the use of a soundless chemical demolition agent (SCDA) for performing controlled concrete demolition on a small scale. SCDAs are dry, powdery materials that expand considerably when mixed with water. The agents have traditionally been used for large demolition applications such as for mining and for breaking up foundations. The study examined the performance of SCDA on a small scale, placing SCDA in holes 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) in diameter and less. The results of the study indicate that SCDA can be used on a small scale to create the controlled cracking of concrete. Using SCDA in this manner can be useful for undertaking controlled demolition without excessive vibrations, loud noise, or water. Examples of useful applications include removing just the cover from concrete structures and demolishing sections of concrete features that are of architectural or historic significance.
Even automizers and conjugacy of involutions

The series “Weakly closed p-elements and odd automizers” [l IA-1 1 C] dealt with groups G in which a Sylow p-normalizer is “essentially” an odd-order Frobenius group with a non-trivial Schur multiplier. This sequel explores the analogous situation in which the Frobenius group has an even-order complement; in this case the desired conclusion is not p-length 1, but rather a restriction on the number of conjugacy classes of involutions in G. The main result is:
The ideology of learner agency and the neoliberal self

This paper compares how the neoliberal self and the agentive language learner self have been conceptualized in the scholarly literature. It shows that both selves are construed as self-regulating and free to choose, but that they are treated very differently in terms of origin or essence. In discussing the apparent contradiction between the neoliberal self as an ideological effect and the agentive self as naturally agentive, the paper proposes a radically social, relational view of learner agency. It illustrates this perspective using narrative analysis to explore the life history account of an Indonesian immigrant to the US and also positions this individual account in its (neoliberal) historical context. It calls for second language scholars to conceptualize agency as always exercised at articulation points within a nexus of practice. El presente articulo compara el modo en el que el yo neoliberal y la agentividad del aprendiente de lenguas se han comparado en la literatura academica. El articulo muestra que, por un lado, ambos yos se les ve como auto-regulados y poseyendo libre eleccion. Por otro, sin embargo, su tratamiento ha sido muy diferente cuando se ha comparado el origen y esencia de los mismos. Al discutir la aparente contradiccion entre el yo neoliberal como efecto ideologico y la agentividad del yo agentivo como resultado natural, este articulo propone una vision social y relacional radical de la agentividad del aprendiente. Esta nueva perspectiva se ilustra utilizando el analisis narrativo para explorar la version de la historia de la vida de un inmigrante indonesio a los Estados Unidos cuya version individual se posiciona en su contexto historico (neoliberal). Asimismo, este articulo sugiere a los especialistas en adquisicion de una segunda lengua que siempre conceptualicen la agentividad como ejercida en puntos de articulacion especificos en el marco de un nexo de pracivtica concreto.
An explicit hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method for the acoustic wave equation

Abstract We present an explicit hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method for numerically solving the acoustic wave equation. The method is fully explicit, high-order accurate in both space and time, and coincides with the classic discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method with upwinding fluxes for a particular choice of its stabilization function. This means that it has the same computational complexity as other explicit DG methods. However, just as its implicit version, it provides optimal convergence of order k + 1 for all the approximate variables including the gradient of the solution, and, when the time-stepping method is of order k + 2 , it displays a superconvergence property which allow us, by means of local postprocessing, to obtain new improved approximations of the scalar field variables at any time levels for which an enhanced accuracy is required. In particular, the new approximations converge with order k + 2 in the L 2 -norm for k ≥ 1 . These properties do not hold for all numerical fluxes. Indeed, our results show that, when the HDG numerical flux is replaced by the Lax–Friedrichs flux, the above-mentioned superconvergence properties are lost, although some are recovered when the Lax–Friedrichs flux is used only in the interior of the domain. Finally, we extend the explicit HDG method to treat the wave equation with perfectly matched layers. We provide numerical examples to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
When two tests are better than one: adding late gadolinium enhancement to first-pass perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Due to the versatility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), two distinct methods are available for stress testing in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). One method, analogous to dobutamine stress echocardiography, is dobutamine stress CMR which assesses ventricular function
YouTube monetization: creating user-centric experiences using large scale data

Over the last 4 years, YouTube has grown from a viral video sharing site to a platform that fuels a win-win ecosystem for video content creators, advertisers and users. A key driving force behind this successful transformation is building out products/platforms that focus and optimize for the user. In this talk, we will talk about user-centric efforts such as launch of user-controlled skippable ads (TrueView Instream), and Dynamic Ad Loads (machine learning system that balances realtime user impact with advertising policies). Leveraging very large amounts of real-time activity data is paramount to successfully building and deploying such user-centric models. We conclude the talk with challenges and opportunities in this important area of real-time user analysis and large data modeling.
Advanced techniques for free-space optical quantum cryptography over water

Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) over water (e.g., ship to ship) may be limited by ship motion and atmospheric effects, such as mode distortion and beam wander due to turbulence. We report on a technique which reduces noise by excluding spatial modes which are less likely to contain QKD signal photons and experimentally demonstrate an improvement in QKD key generation rates in various noise and turbulence regimes.
Assignment of Primary Response Zones to Emergency Medical Units

Abstract Using a new procedure for data clustering and an approximate "shortest route" algorithm, an inexpensive method of constructing primary response districts for an emergency medical system was developed and applied.
OFFl Models: Novel Schema for Dynamical Modeling of Biological Systems

Flow diagrams are a common tool used to help build and interpret models of dynamical systems, often in biological contexts such as consumer-resource models and similar compartmental models. Typically, their usage is intuitive and informal. Here, we present a formalized version of flow diagrams as a kind of weighted directed graph which follow a strict grammar, which translate into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by a single unambiguous rule, and which have an equivalent representation as a relational database. (We abbreviate this schema of “ODEs and formalized flow diagrams” as OFFL.) Drawing a diagram within this strict grammar encourages a mental discipline on the part of the modeler in which all dynamical processes of a system are thought of as interactions between dynamical species that draw parcels from one or more source species and deposit them into target species according to a set of transformation rules. From these rules, the net rate of change for each species can be derived. The modeling schema can therefore be understood as both an epistemic and practical heuristic for modeling, serving both as an organizational framework for the model building process and as a mechanism for deriving ODEs. All steps of the schema beyond the initial scientific (intuitive, creative) abstraction of natural observations into model variables are algorithmic and easily carried out by a computer, thus enabling the future development of a dedicated software implementation. Such tools would empower the modeler to consider significantly more complex models than practical limitations might have otherwise proscribed, since the modeling framework itself manages that complexity on the modeler’s behalf. In this report, we describe the chief motivations for OFFL, carefully outline its implementation, and utilize a range of classic examples from ecology and epidemiology to showcase its features.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a Watermelon Mosaic Virus Isolated from Watermelon in the United States.

ABSTRACT Watermelon mosaic virus was first reported in 1965 from the Rio Grande Valley, TX. We report here the first complete genome sequence of a watermelon mosaic virus isolate from watermelon collected from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
The Impact of Mindful Meditation in Nature on Self-Nature Interconnectedness

Previous research has shown that mindfulness and spending time in nature are both related to perceived self-nature interconnectedness, with implications for environmental and psychological well-being. More research is needed to better understand the relative influence of mindful meditation and nature exposure on self-nature interconnectedness. In study 1, we replicated evidence for a relationship between mindfulness and self-nature interconnectedness in a sample of Buddhist meditators attending a nature and meditation retreat. In study 2, undergraduate students participated in 3-day nature trips that were randomly assigned to either a meditation condition (which included formal meditation in the mornings) or a non-meditation condition (which did not include formal meditation practices). The results from pre- and post-trip surveys showed that the combined influence of mindful meditation in nature on self-nature interconnectedness is greater than nature exposure that does not include mindful meditation. One focus of the present research was to examine cognitive dimensions of nature connectedness, given that mindfulness meditation is based on cognitive processes such as selective attention. Study 2 revealed three types of concepts underlying self-nature interconnectedness: (1) mental models for behaviors in nature, (2) self-nature categorization, and (3) self-nature associations. In addition, participants who meditated in nature were more likely to foreground nature in their memories of the trip by emphasizing nature rather than other aspects (such as social interactions). Together, the results from the present research suggest that mindful meditation in nature can be used to reestablish or strengthen concepts of self-nature interconnectedness nature for urban adults.
Compositional Control of Phase-Separated Cellular Bodies

Cellular bodies such as P bodies and PML nuclear bodies (PML NBs) appear to be phase-separated liquids organized by multivalent interactions among proteins and RNA molecules. Although many components of various cellular bodies are known, general principles that define body composition are lacking. We modeled cellular bodies using several engineered multivalent proteins and RNA. In vitro and in cells, these scaffold molecules form phase-separated liquids that concentrate low valency client proteins. Clients partition differently depending on the ratio of scaffolds, with a sharp switch across the phase diagram diagonal. Composition can switch rapidly through changes in scaffold concentration or valency. Natural PML NBs and P bodies show analogous partitioning behavior, suggesting how their compositions could be controlled by levels of PML SUMOylation or cellular mRNA concentration, respectively. The data suggest a conceptual framework for considering the composition and control thereof of cellular bodies assembled through heterotypic multivalent interactions.
Long-term incidence of contralateral primary hernia repair following unilateral inguinal hernia repair in a cohort of 32,834 patients

Asymptomatic contralateral inguinal hernias are often present during initial inguinal hernia repair. Data on long-term results and progression to symptomaticity are sparse. The purpose of this study was to assess long-term rates and risk factors for contralateral inguinal hernia repair following unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Using New York Statewide Planning and Research Collaborative administrative data, 32,384 adults who underwent initial inguinal hernia repair during 2002–2003 in New York State and achieved 10-year follow-up were identified. ICD-9 and CPT codes were used to identify patients. Patients were followed for 10 years subsequent to their operation to assess for contralateral repair. Those who did not achieve 10-year follow-up were excluded. Risk factors were compared using descriptive univariate statistics. Significant variables were then analyzed via multivariate regression models. For adult patients having primary unilateral hernia repair, 3364 patients (6.73 %) had contralateral repair during the follow-up period. After excluding “loss of follow-up” patients, the contralateral repair rate was 10.8 %. Contralateral hernia repairs first occurred at a mean of 3.9 ± 3.5 years and a median of 2.5 years after the initial surgery. Risk factors included age >45 years (OR 1.7 [1.4–2.0], p < 0.001), male gender (OR 2.2 [1.9–2.6], p < 0.0001), and white race (OR 1.6 [1.1–2.4], p < 0.001). Factors associated with decreased likelihood for repair included: congestive heart failure (OR 0.6 [0.4–0.9], p = 0.01), diabetes (OR 0.7 [0.5–0.8], p = 0.02), neurological disorders (OR 0.6 [0.4–0.9], p = 0.02), obesity (OR 0.3 [0.1–0.8], p = 0.01), and alcohol abuse (OR 0.2 [0.03–0.8], p = 0.03). The 10-year probability of necessitating a contralateral inguinal hernia repair is significant. Elderly white males were more likely to undergo repair. Those less likely to undergo repair had significant comorbid conditions, possibly due to their poor suitability for intervention. These data highlight a key benefit of the laparoscopic approach over open repairs. Based on these data, an argument for laparoscopy with routine contralateral inspection in higher-risk patients can be made.
Voltage-dependent facilitation of cardiac L-type Ca channels expressed in HEK-293 cells requires β-subunit

The activity of native L-type Ca channels can be facilitated by strong depolarizations. The cardiac Ca channel α1C-subunit was transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells, but t...
Community traits affect plant–plant interactions across climatic gradients

Plant abundances and demography often vary along gradients of environmental stress, and neighboring plants can amplify or diminish such variation. We asked to what degree the effects of neighboring plants on a focal species can be explained by the traits and abundances of species in the surrounding community. We studied a common understory herb, Trientalis latifolia, across climatic gradients created by topography in the Siskiyou Mountains, southwestern Oregon. We compared Trientalis fitness along these gradients with and without neighbor removal, and asked whether the effects of neighboring plants could be predicted by their community-weighted trait values and abundances. Environmental conditions alone did not explain whether neighbors had competitive or facilitative effects on Trientalis. However, the environment interacted with neighbor traits and biomass to influence neighbor effects: at cool, higher elevations, high neighbor biomass was associated with stronger facilitative effects, while at warm, lower elevations, high neighbor dissimilarity from Trientalis was associated with stronger competitive effects. We suggest that covariation and interactions among environmental and community characteristics are key to understanding species performance along climatic gradients.
Evolutionary implications of predation on Recent comatulid crinoids from the Great Barrier Reef

Diving investigations of Recent comatulid crinoids at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, indicate that, contrary to long-held notions, crinoids are subject to predation, principally by fishes of several families. Predation usually occurs as sublethal damage to the visceral mass and arms, from which the crinoids usually recover by regeneration. Aspects of the life habits, morphology, biochemistry, and physiology of comatulids are postulated to be adaptations that enable comatulid crinoids to resist predation. Comatulid versatility in coping with predation may account in large measure for their evolutionary success in the face of the late Mesozoic teleost radiation. Frequency of damage and repair in fossil crinoids can be used as a measure of predation pressure in order to assess the impact of predation during the Phanerozoic evolution of crinoids. Paleozoic stalked crinoids made a heavy investment in skeletal armor, while in contrast, comatulids reduced the calyx and became mobile. The relationship between these phyletic trends and predation pressure can now be critically examined.
Outcome of Combining Epigenetic Drugs with Other Treatments in the Clinic

Abstract Epigenetic modifying drugs are currently being evaluated in numerous clinical trials to treat cancer and other diseases. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 2 DNA methyl transferase (DNMT) inhibitors—azacitidine and decitabine—to treat myelodysplastic syndromes and 3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors—vorinostat and romidepsin—to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and belinostat to treat peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Epigenetic modifications lead to reversible global changes that affect diverse cellular processes like proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, differentiation, and DNA-repair. Apart from their use as single agents in the clinic for specific cancers, preclinical studies show substantial benefits of combining several HDAC inhibitors and DNMT inhibitors with diverse treatment modalities, particularly in solid and hematological malignancies. Though epigenetic modifications are lately associated with several diseases, most of these combinatorial therapies are designed to treat cancer. Limited clinical trials use epigenetic drugs in combination therapies in other diseases. This chapter discusses the potential of combining epigenetic therapies with current treatment modalities. The emphasis lies on either active or completed clinical investigations that have combined epigenetic drugs with existing drugs, exploring better treatment avenues across all diseases.
Multiperspective Assessment of Young Children's School Adjustment

The study's main purpose was to assess relationships among five perspectives of children's adjustment: teacher, parent, peer and self-ratings, and behavior observations. The sample included 462 urb...
Metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors as potential targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorder

Emerging evidence indicates that dysfunctional glutamate neurotransmission is critical in the initiation and development of alcohol and drug dependence. Alcohol consumption induced downregulation of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) as reported in previous studies from our laboratory. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, which acts via interactions with several glutamate receptors. Alcohol consumption interferes with the glutamatergic signal transmission by altering the functions of these receptors. Among the glutamate receptors involved in alcohol-drinking behavior are the metabotropic receptors such as mGluR1/5, mGluR2/3, and mGluR7, as well as the ionotropic receptors, NMDA and AMPA. Preclinical studies using agonists and antagonists implicate these glutamatergic receptors in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss the neurocircuitry involving glutamate transmission in animals exposed to alcohol and further outline the role of metabotropic and ionotropic receptors in the regulation of alcohol-drinking behavior. This review provides ample information about the potential therapeutic role of glutamatergic receptors for the treatment of AUD.
Variable Operative Experience in Hand Surgery for Plastic Surgery Residents.

Background Efforts to standardize hand surgery training during plastic surgery residency remain challenging. We analyze the variability of operative hand experience at U.S. plastic surgery residency programs. Methods Operative case logs of chief residents in accredited U.S. plastic surgery residency programs were analyzed (2011-2015). Trends in fold differences of hand surgery case volume between the 10th and 90th percentiles of residents were assessed graphically. Percentile data were used to calculate the number of residents achieving case minimums in hand surgery for 2015. Results Case logs from 818 plastic surgery residents were analyzed of which a minority were from integrated (35.7%) versus independent/combined (64.3%) residents. Trend analysis of fold differences in case volume demonstrated decreasing variability among procedure categories over time. By 2015, fold differences for hand reconstruction, tendon cases, nerve cases, arthroplasty/arthrodesis, amputation, arterial repair, Dupuytren release, and neoplasm cases were below 10-fold. Congenital deformity cases among independent/combined residents was the sole category that exceeded 10-fold by 2015. Percentile data suggested that approximately 10% of independent/combined residents did not meet case minimums for arterial repair and congenital deformity in 2015. Conclusions Variable operative experience during plastic surgery residency may limit adequate exposure to hand surgery for certain residents. Future studies should establish empiric case minimums for plastic surgery residents to ensure hand surgery competency upon graduation.
Physical and Occupational Therapy From the Acute to Community Setting After Stroke: Predictors of Use, Continuity of Care, and Timeliness of Care.

Abstract Objective To identify predictors of therapist use (any use, continuity of care, timing of care) in the acute care hospital and community (home or outpatient) for patients discharged home after stroke. Design Retrospective cohort analysis of Medicare claims (2010–2013) linked to hospital-level and county-level data. Setting Acute care hospital and community. Participants Patients (N=23,413) who survived the first 30 days at home after being discharged from an acute care hospital after stroke. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Physical and occupational therapist use in acute care and community settings; continuity of care across the inpatient and home or the inpatient and outpatient settings; and early therapist use in the home or outpatient setting. Multivariate logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify hospital-level, county-level, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with therapist use, continuity, and timing, controlling for clinical characteristics. Results Seventy-eight percent of patients received therapy in the acute care hospital, but only 40.8% received care in the first 30 days after discharge. Hospital nurse staffing was positively associated with inpatient and outpatient therapist use and continuity of care across settings. Primary care provider supply was associated with inpatient and outpatient therapist use, continuity of care, and early therapist care in the home and outpatient setting. Therapist supply was associated with continuity of care and early therapist use in the community. There was consistent evidence of sociodemographic disparities in therapist use. Conclusions Therapist use after stroke varies in the community and for specific sociodemographic subgroups and may be underused. Inpatient nurse staffing levels and primary care provider supply were the most consistent predictors of therapist use, continuity of care, and early therapist use.