cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute and chronic effects of cocaine on the spontaneous behavior of pigeons.

The present experiment examined the effects of acute and daily cocaine on spontaneous behavior patterns of pigeons. After determining the acute effects of a range of doses, 9 pigeons were divided into three groups that received one of three doses of cocaine daily, either 1.0, 3.0, or 10.0 mg/kg cocaine. Measures were taken of spontaneous locomotion, pecking, preening, and emesis. Under daily administration, cocaine induced consistent and substantial enhancements of its locomotor effects in all 9 pigeons, consistent with the phenomenon of locomotor sensitization. The maximum locomotor output did not differ according to the size of the daily dose. Locomotion was not elevated following tests of the saline vehicle, suggesting the effect was due to cocaine, not to a change in baseline or reactivity to the injection procedure. Cocaine dose-dependently decreased preening when given acutely, and those effects were not altered by repeated cocaine administration. Pecking occurred at very low rates and was unresponsive to cocaine treatment. Cocaine-induced emesis showed a dose-dependent increase under initial tests with cocaine, and those effects were attenuated following daily exposure. In a final condition, cocaine was replaced with daily saline for 30 days to assess the persistence cocaine-related increases in locomotion. Approximately half of the pigeons continued to show enhanced effects even after 30 days without cocaine, so although persistence was obtained, it showed marked intersubject variability. The data indicate that the effects of repeated cocaine administration on the behavior of pigeons shows parallels with many effects commonly reported with rodents (i.e., increased locomotion following repeated treatment, decrease in preening or grooming, persistence following drug withdrawal).
Effect of predation risk on the presence and persistence of yellow‐bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) colonies

Habitat selection may have population level consequences and ultimately may influence a population’s local persistence or extinction. We capitalized on a longterm study (1962–2004) of yellow-bellied marmots Marmota flaviventris in and around the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Colorado, USA, and compared habitat characteristics associated with food availability and predation risk to explain variation in persistence of marmots at 27 sites, and their absence at 22 additional, randomly selected sites. We classified sites as persistent, intermittent or null based on whether there was a history of extinction; intermittent sites periodically went extinct and null sites never had marmots. Logistic regression analyses revealed that environmental variables associated with visibility and safety, rather than food, correctly classified sites as persistent or non-persistent as well as persistent or intermittent. Discriminant function analysis that included the null sites revealed that the same visibility-related characteristics predicted where marmots were found. These results highlight the importance of variation in safety among sites in predicting long-term population persistence, as well as a species’ distribution.
Solitary congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis

Congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis (CSHR) was first described in 1973 by Hashimoto and Pritzker. Since then, both multiple and solitary forms have been described. We report a further case of solitary congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis. CSHR is a rare disorder which frequently presents a diagnostic dilemma in the newborn. Nodular forms of systemic Langerhans cell histiocytosis may present in a manner similar to CSHR. Because their differentiation on histopathological grounds is impossible, physical examination, laboratory investigations, and follow-up are necessary to ensure a lack of systemic involvement. Although previously thought to represent a rare variant of CSHR, solitary lesions of CSHR account for almost 25% of reported cases. A review of the literature relating to solitary CSHR, and a consideration of the differential diagnosis of a solitary congenital nodule, are also presented.
Hecke Operators for GL n and Buildings

We describe a representation of the local Hecke algebra for GLn in which the Hecke operators act on the vertices of the Bruhat-Tits building for SLn(Qp). We also give a geometric interpretation of this representation, characterizing the action of our operators on a vertex in terms of the endpoints of minimal walks in the building. This generalizes work of Serre who dened Hecke operators acting on the vertices of a tree (the building for SL2(Qp)).
THE FITNESS CONSEQUENCES OF INTERSPECIFIC EAVESDROPPING BETWEEN PLANTS

Although many ecologists have discounted the possibility of communication between plants, recent work demonstrates that wild tobacco plants with experimentally clipped sagebrush neighbors suffer less leaf herbivory than tobacco controls with unclipped neighbors. In this report, we examine the fitness consequences of resistance induced by eavesdropping. Annual tobacco plants with clipped sagebrush neighbors produced more flowers and seed-bearing capsules than plants with unclipped neighbors although these performance measures varied considerably over the five years of the study. Tobacco plants with clipped neighbors also suffered more frost damage than controls in one year. There was no indication that eavesdropping was more beneficial to tobacco in years with high risk of herbivore damage. The potential adaptive benefits of eavesdropping remain unclear based on five years of data. However, the fact that eavesdropping had strong effects on herbivory and plant performance suggests that interactions between plant species may be richer than we previously suspected.
Application of STBC-encoded cooperative transmissions in wireless sensor networks

The efficiency of space-time block code-encoded (STBC) cooperative transmission is studied within low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH), which is a typical networking/communication protocol for wireless sensor networks. Cooperation protocol with low overhead is proposed, and synchronization requirements among cooperating sensors are discussed. Energy efficiency is analyzed as a tradeoff between the reduced transmission energy consumption and the increased electronic and overhead energy consumption. Simulations show that with proper design, cooperative transmission can enhance energy efficiency and prolong sensor network lifetime.
Surface production fuels deep heterotrophic respiration in northern peatlands

[1] Multiple analyses of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from pore waters were conducted to define the processes that govern carbon balance in peatlands: (1) source, reactivity, and transport of DOC with respect to vegetation, peat, and age of carbon substrate, (2) reactivity of DOC with respect to molecular size, and (3) lability to photoxidation of surficial DOC. We found that surface organic production fuels heterotrophic respiration at depth in advection-dominated peatlands, especially in fens. Fen DOC was Δ14C enriched relative to the surrounding fen peat, and fen respiration products were similar to this enriched DOC indicating that DOC was the main microbial substrate. Bog DOC was more variable showing either enrichment in ∆14C at depth or ∆14C values that follow peat values. This variability in bogs is probably controlled by the relative importance of vertical transport of labile carbon substrates within the peat profile versus DOC production from bog peat. These results extended our set of observations to 10 years at one bog-fen pair and add two additional bog-fen pairs to our series of observations. Anaerobic incubations of peat, rinsed free of residual DOC, produced DOC and respiration products that were strikingly similar to the peat values in a bog and two fens. This result demonstrated conclusively that downward advection is the process responsible for the presence of modern DOC found at depth in the peat column. Fen DOC has lower C/N values and up to twice as much LMW (<1 kDa) DOC as bogs due to differences in organic inputs and greater microbial processing. Fluorescence irradiation experiments showed that fen DOC is more photolabile than bog DOC.
Experimental Evaluation of Arthropod Predation on Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) Eggs and Larvae in Cabbage

Knowledge of factors causing mortality in herbivorous insects is essential to developing a better understanding of their population dynamics and more effective strategies to manage their abundance in crops. In this study we used 2 methods of predator exclusion to evaluate the effects of arthropod predators on Pieris rapae L. eggs and larvae on cabbages ( Brassica oleracea variety capitata L.) in New York State. Survivorship of P. rapae on cabbage plants caged to exclude predators was compared with survivorship on plants in cages that were opened at the bottom to allow access by arthropod predators but not larger predators such as birds. Two cohorts were followed in each of 2 unsprayed cabbage plots in each of 2 yr for a total of 8 cohorts. Estimated mortality of eggs and larvae from arthropod predators ranged from 23 to 80%, averaged 53% for all 8 cohorts, and affected mainly the eggs and 1st instars. Exclusion experiments were also conducted comparing mortality of individual P. rapae eggs protected from predators by rings of Tanglefoot with that of eggs that were left exposed to predators. Mortality attributed to arthropod predators for the entire egg stage among 6 cohorts placed in each of 2 fields ranged from 0 to 44%. Our experiments demonstrate that P. rapae eggs and 1st instars suffer variable, but often quite high mortality from arthropod predators in cabbage fields. Recognizing the important role of these predators is a 1st step toward developing ways to maximize their activity in commercial fields.
What makes a modeling and simulation professional?: The consensus view from one workshop

This paper is part of a focused paper panel discussion addressing the results of an invited workshop conducted in Orlando, Florida in February, 1997. The workshop addressed the question: What makes a modeling and simulation professional? The workshop's results included a consensus ideal modeling and simulation professional characterized by eight categories and subsequent elements. Each of the eight categories and elements are presented as well as contextual narrative. The author provides an interpretation of the workshop results and implications for modeling and simulation professionals. Panel members were asked to respond to the goals and results of the workshop, as well as, the author's interpretations and comments of this paper. The paper and panel discussion are an attempt to spark debate on the modeling and simulation profession.
Effects of hydrogen annealing on low temperature grown oxides on silicon by negative point-to-point corona discharge oxidation

The effects of hydrogen annealing in the 400 degrees C-600 degrees C range on oxides grown on silicon in 100 degrees C-300 degrees C temperature range by negative point-to-plane corona discharge were examined. This growth technique results in significant oxide growth rates, even at these low growth temperatures. The lowest interface state density for unannealed samples was obtained for samples grown at 100 degrees C. Among the annealed samples the lowest interface state density of 7.7*10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/ in 0.05-0.5 eV range above the valence band edge for samples grown at 300 degrees C. Annealing at 600 degrees C gave the highest values for interface state densities, whereas the 500 degrees C annealed samples showed intermediate values with only a slight improvement over annealed cases. The changes in the interface state densities is attributed to the behavior of Si-H bonds at different annealing temperatures. The rate of change in the flat band voltage of 3.05, 8.2, and 10.2 mV/ degrees C was obtained in the annealing temperature range of 400 degrees C-600 degrees C for the oxide growth temperatures of 100 degrees C, 200 degrees C, and 300 degrees C respectively. >
A periodic spatial power combining MESFET oscillator

A planar periodic MESFET based spatial power combiner was designed and fabricated for X-band operation. In this combiner four MESFET devices driving a linear microstrip antenna array are periodically connected to a microstrip transmission line. A large-signal analysis of this combiner and experimental results thereon are presented. An effective radiated power of 484 mW was achieved for this structure at an oscillation frequency of 10.02 GHz with a power combining efficiency of 87%. >
The 4-loop β-function in the 2D non-Abelian Thirring model, and comparison with its conjectured “exact” form

Abstract Recently, B. Gerganov et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 86 (2001) 4753] have proposed an “exact” (all-orders) β-function for 2-dimensional conformal field theories with Kac–Moody current-algebra symmetry at any level k, based on a Lie group G , which are perturbed by a current–current interaction. This theory is also known as the non-Abelian Thirring model. We check this conjecture with an explicit calculation of the β-function to 4-loop order, for the classical groups G =SU(N) , SO(N) and SP(N) at level k=0. We find a contribution at 4-loop order, proportional to a higher-order group-theoretical invariant, which is incompatible with the proposed β-function in all possible regularization schemes.
Pilot‐scale study of in situ steam extraction for the recovery of dense nonaqueous phase liquids from the vadose zone

Abstract An environmental audit of a manufacturing site in eastern Pennsylvania revealed the presence of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) in the vadose zone. The principal analyte detected in this audit was chloroform. The current recovery scheme, soil‐vapor extraction (SVE), does not yield a sufficient rate of DNAPL recovery to be economically feasible. A pilot plant was constructed at the site to determine the effects of steam injection on DNAPL recovery: Several large, stainless steel columns were packed with uncontaminated soil from the site and spiked with chloroform. Two columns charged with saturated steam at 7.5 psig yielded 71 and 97% recoveries of the initial chloroform volume after the addition of less than one pore volume of steam. An average recovery of 15% was achieved by SVE. Significant levels of chloroform were detected in the simulated water table of one of the steam‐charged reactors.
Wavelength-Dependent Model of a Ring Resonator Sensor Excited by a Directional Coupler

The spectral characteristics of a ring resonator made of Si photonic wires are modeled using mode expansion of supermodes of the directional coupler. The influence of the coupling coefficient, loss factor and waveguide dispersion on the spectral features are analyzed in detail. The model is then compared with the experimental data of a ring resonator designed for sensing purposes. The model that includes a wavelength dependence on coupling length reproduces the large variations of the envelope of the experimental spectrum, when coupling coefficient cover its full range from 0 to 1. Fitting parameters explain the details of the experimental spectrum and contribute to the sensor optimization, as well as illustrating general guidelines for ring resonator design.
THE MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY: Beyond Myths and Stereotypes

▪ Abstract This essay's point of departure is the hallowed belief that democracy requires active citizens and news media that supply them with information they need to participate effectively in politics. The main features of this model of a functioning democracy, including the underlying assumptions, are tested and found wanting. Neither citizens nor media are capable of performing the roles expected of them. The appropriateness of these roles for life in modern societies is also open to question, as are the many myths and stereotypes that obscure the interface between media and democracy. The fact that democracy can persist despite citizens and media that fall short of the expected performance suggests that political culture may be more important than citizen wisdom and media excellence. Rallies in civic activism during crises may also be a major factor in the durability of democratic governance in the United States.
Attachment of the N-Terminal Domain of Salmonella typhimurium AhpF to Escherichia coli Thioredoxin Reductase Confers AhpC Reductase Activity but Does Not Affect Thioredoxin Reductase Activity†

AhpF of Salmonella typhimurium, the flavoprotein reductase required for catalytic turnover of AhpC with hydroperoxide substrates in the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase system, is a 57 kDa protein with homology to thioredoxin reductase (TrR) from Escherichia coli. Like TrR, AhpF employs tightly bound FAD and redox-active disulfide center(s) in catalyzing electron transfer from reduced pyridine nucleotides to the disulfide bond of its protein substrate. Homology of AhpF to the smaller (35 kDa) TrR protein occurs in the C-terminal part of AhpF; a stretch of about 200 amino acids at the N-terminus of AhpF contains an additional redox-active disulfide center and is required for catalysis of AhpC reduction. We have demonstrated that fusion of the N-terminal 207 amino acids of AhpF to full-length TrR results in a chimeric protein (Nt-TrR) with essentially the same catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) as AhpF in AhpC reductase assays; both kcat and the Km for AhpC are decreased about 3−4-fold for Nt-TrR compared with Ahp...
Disease Information in Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Print Ads

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertisements sometimes include information about the disease condition in addition to information about the advertised product. Although the intent of such information is to educate about the disease condition, in some cases consumers may mistakenly assume that the drug will address all of the potential consequences of the condition mentioned in the ad. We investigated the effects of adding disease information to DTC prescription drug print ads on consumer product perceptions and understanding. Participants (4,064 adults) viewed 1 of 15 DTC print ads for fictitious prescription drugs indicated to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anemia, or lymphoma that varied in disease information presence, type, and format. Participants answered questions that assessed risk and benefit memory, perception, and behavioral intention. Results indicate that exposure to disease information as part of DTC prescription drug ads can promote the impression that the drug addresses consequences of the condition that are not part of the drug's indication.
Sucrose diets increase glucose-6-phosphatase and glucose release and decrease glucokinase in hepatocytes.

A high-sucrose diet (SU) decreases insulin action in the liver (Pagliassotti MJ, Shahrokhi KA, and Moscarello M. Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 266: R1637–R1644, 1994). The presen...
Full Bladder Effect: A Technical Pitfall in a Renal Transplant Patient

We present three sequential renal studies in a renal transplant patient, illustrating how technical factors can adversely affect the interpretation of renal imaging studies. Methods: The studies were performed in two dynamic modes after intravenous injection of 99mTc DTPA. Time-activity curves of the transplanted kidney were later generated. The patient had a Foley catheter during the first study, no catheter in the second study and reinsertion of a catheter in the third study. Results: The first study revealed good perfusion and function of the transplanted kidney. Three days later, the follow-up renal study revealed stable blood flow, but delayed parenchymal excretion with a photon-deficient area seen adjacent to the transplanted kidney. This was retrospectively interpreted as a full urinary bladder at the time of imaging. A repeat renal study, after insertion of a catheter, showed a normally perfused and functioning renal transplant. Conclusion: A full urinary bladder on a renal study may simulate the development of acute tubular necrosis, particularly in patients with a transplanted kidney and/or urine outflow obstruction. The bladder should always be empty prior to dynamic renal studies, as a full bladder can cause significant confusion in scan interpretation.
Diurnal Body Weight Loss and Tolerance of Weight Loss in Five Species of Myotis

Dawn to dusk weight loss of Myotis leibii and M. yumnnensis, caged singly, and M. lucifugas, M. thysanodes, and M. velifer, caged singly and in groups of four, was determined in their natural roosting environments. Individual weight losses ranged from 6.4 to 21.9 per cent of initial body weight, whereas weight loss of grouped bats ranged from 9.9 to 16.2 per cent. Roosting conditions, temperature and relative humidity, are reflected in daily weight loss. Grouped M. thysanodes lost significantly less weight than individually caged bats. There was no difference in weight loss of individual and grouped M. lucifugas and M. velifer. Weight loss at which half of the individuals of each species except M. leibii died ranged from 22.8 to 32.3 per cent of initial body weight.
Sensory trick with metoclopramide-associated tardive tremor

Tardive tremor is a 3–5 Hz bilateral resting and action tremor, associated with the use of dopamine receptor blocking drugs, accompanied by other tardive movement disorders and responsive to tetrabenazine or clozapine. We describe a case of a sensory trick associated with tardive tremor which raises important points about semiology and management. First, the presence of a sensory trick with tardive limb tremor suggests that the disorder may be a form of dystonia. Second, further study of osteopathic manipulative therapy for treatment of dystonia or tardive tremor is supported by a symptomatic response observed in our case.
Evaluating the Climate Effects of Reforestation in New England Using a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model Multiphysics Ensemble

AbstractThe New England region of the northeastern United States has a land use history characterized by forest clearing for agriculture and other uses during European colonization and subsequent reforestation following widespread farm abandonment. Despite these broad changes, the potential influence on local and regional climate has received relatively little attention. This study investigated wintertime (December through March) climate impacts of reforestation in New England using a high-resolution (4 km) multiphysics ensemble of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. In general, the conversion from mid-1800s cropland/grassland to forest led to warming, but results were sensitive to physics parameterizations. The 2-m maximum temperature (T2max) was most sensitive to choice of land surface model, 2-m minimum temperature (T2min) was sensitive to radiation scheme, and all ensemble members simulated precipitation poorly. Reforestation experiments suggest that conversion of mid-1800s cropland/grassland ...
Analysis of External Water Pressure on Support and Lining of Deep Mountain Tunnels below High Water Table

To protect the environment and reduce the water pressure on tunnel lining as far as possible,the controlled drainage design principle is generally adopted in deep mountain tunnels below high water table.The mechanical character of tunnel supports and linings under coupling of seepage and stress are studied by using numerical method and model test based on tunnel mechanics and seepage mechanics.The result shows that(1) the water pressure on the primary supports will not change notably when drainage conditions are transformed even though the mountain tunnels are impacted by drainage conditions;(2) the pore water pressure on primary supports would divert to tunnel linings when the drainage channels transferred from the interface between rock mass and primary supports to the interface between primary supports and secondary linings,and the primary supports would be unloaded and moves outwards to rock mass;(3) the water pressure on tunnel linings could be neglected when the ground water could be discharged smoothly;(4) the underground flow gradient would be decrease,the effective radial stress would be decrease,the radial flow toward tunnel would be decrease and the ground deformations would be decrease while the water pressure on secondary lining would be increase when the tunnel drainage system degenerats gradually.This research provided a rational approach for a preliminary design of the primary supports and secondary linings in deep mountain tunnels below high water table,and contributed to identify the load-transfer mechanisms between ground,water and support.
Mini West Virginias: Corporations as Government Dependents

Much like states that rely on government spending, certain firms rely on the government for a substantial share of their revenues. Exploiting the statutory requirement that forces firms to list the identities of their major customers, we identify and examine the set of firms whose major customers are listed as government entities. We employ an identification strategy that exploits government contract bid protests in order to identify the causal impact of government sales on future firm outcomes, and find that government-linked firms invest less in physical and intellectual capital, and have lower future sales growth.
Paternal smoking and germ cell death: A mechanistic link to the effects of cigarette smoke on spermatogenesis and possible long-term sequelae in offspring.

Paternal exposure to constituents of cigarette smoke (CS) is reportedly associated with infertility, birth defects and childhood cancers even though the mechanism behind this relationship is still unclear. Chronic cigarette smoking by men leads to poor sperm quality and quantity mainly through oxidative stress and also direct assault by CS metabolites. Among several carcinogenic and teratogenic components of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) display a preeminent role in accelerating germ cell death via the cytoplasmic transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) that is present across all stages of spermatogenesis. Activation of AHR by growth factors though benefits normal cellular functions, its mediation by CSC in a spermatocyte cell line [Gc2(spd)ts] adversely affects the expression of a battery of genes associated with antioxidant mechanisms, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and cell cycle progress. Besides, the CSC-mediated cross talk either between AHR and NRF2 or AHR-NRF2 and MAPKs pathways inhibits normal proliferation of the spermatogenic GC-2spd(ts) cells in vitro and cell death of spermatocytes in vivo. Pharmacological inactivation of CSC-induced AHR but not its genetic manipulation seems preventing DNA and cell membrane damage in Gc2(spd)ts. Data from recent reports suggest that the cigarette smoke affects both the genomic and epigenomic components of the sperm and attributes any associated changes to developmental defects in the offspring. Thus, the studies discussed here in this review shed light on possible mechanistic factors that could probably be responsible for the paternally mediated birth defects in the offspring following exposure to the toxic constituents of cigarette smoke.
Marine ichnogenera within Torrejonian facies (Paleocene) of the Fort Union Formation, southeastern Montana

The trace fossils Ophiomorpha, Diplocraterion, Skolithos linearis, "Skolithos," Thalassinoides, and Planolites have been identified in Paleocene strata near Ekalaka, Montana. These ichnogenera are confined to specific lithofacies within a new stratigraphic unit, the Ekalaka Member of the Fort Union Formation. The Ekalaka Member is of early to mid-Torrejonian age, is bounded by unconformities in the vicinity of the Miles City Arch, and varies in thickness from 20 to 70 m, thickening to the east, where the lower unconformity disappears. This new member has been mapped from the vicinity of Ekalaka to the South Dakota border, a distance of 50 km. The Ekalaka Member probably correlates with the massive D-Bed and E-Bed sandstones in the Cave Hills of northwestern South Dakota; both lithostratigraphic units lie below the U 3 unconformity. The six ichnogenera from the Ekalaka Member are all marine. However, the low numbers of individuals within each ichnogenus and the few numbers of individual ichnogenera suggest a brackish-water depositional environment. The most common ichnogenus, "Skolithos" (defined as a short, thin, irregular tube with a vertical to subvertical sand wall), has been found in the same bed as Ophiomorpha and Skolithos linearis. Diplocraterion, Planolites, and Thalassinoides are also found in Ekalaka strata. Ophiomorpha, Diplocraterion, and Skolithos linearis, although less common than "Skolithos," have been interpreted by previous workers to be euryhaline marine ichnogenera. Furthermore, the strata in which they occur show tidal reversed-ripple laminae on cross-beds and neap/spring tidal bundle laminae. Nevertheless, the attribution of marine influences on Ekalaka deposition can be more strongly argued on the basis of the same ichnogenera found in the Cave Hills sandstones, which at the same time contain marine sharks, skates, and rays.
Comparative Effectiveness of Fluorescent Versus White Light Cystoscopy for Initial Diagnosis or Surveillance of Bladder Cancer on Clinical Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: We systematically reviewed the comparative effectiveness of fluorescent vs white light cystoscopy on bladder cancer clinical outcomes.Materials and Methods: Systematic literature searches of Ovid MEDLINE® (January 1990 through September 2015), Cochrane databases and reference lists were performed. A total of 14 randomized trials of fluorescent cystoscopy using 5-aminolevulinic acid or hexaminolevulinic acid vs white light cystoscopy for the diagnosis of initial or recurrent bladder cancer that reported bladder cancer recurrence, progression, mortality and harms were selected for review.Results: Fluorescent cystoscopy was associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer recurrence vs white light cystoscopy at short-term (less than 3 months, 10 trials, RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.88, I2=69%), intermediate-term (3 months to less than 1 year, 6 trials, RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.88, I2=19%) and long-term followup (1 year or more, 12 trials, RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.93, I2=49%). However, the findings ...
Design and fabrication of substrate-independent integrated antennas utilizing surface micromachining technology

This paper presents several novel 3D antennas topologies that feature the capability of substrate-independent integration for future mm-wave systems. The high-aspect-ratio surface micromachining technology has been utilized to implement these 3D structures. A 100 GHz vertical Yagi-Uda antenna is fabricated and tested for end-fire radiation applications. In addition, an air-filled elevated microstrip antenna resonating at 25 GHz is built and characterized for broadside radiation. A completely substrate-independent multi-depth-well integration scheme for large-scale antenna arrays is also proposed. Simulation and measurement data are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Emerging investigators series: a critical review of decision support systems for water treatment: making the case for incorporating climate change and climate extremes

Water treatment plants (WTPs) are tasked with providing safe potable water to consumers. However, WTPs face numerous potential obstacles, including changes in source water quality and quantity, financial burdens related to operations and upgrades, and stringent water quality regulations. Moreover, these challenges may be exacerbated by climate change in the form of long-term climatic perturbations and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. To help WTPs overcome these issues, decision support systems (DSSs), which are used to aid and enhance the quality and consistency of decision-making, have been developed. This paper reviews the scientific literature on the development and application of DSSs for water treatment, including physically-based models, statistical models, and artificial intelligence techniques, and suggests future directions in the field. We first set the context of how water quality is impacted by climate change and extreme weather events. We then provide a comprehensive review of DSSs and conclude by offering a series of recommendations for future DSS efforts for WTPs, suggesting that these tools should (1) more accurately reflect the practical needs of WTPs, (2) represent the tradeoffs between the multiple competing objectives inherent to water treatment, (3) explicitly handle uncertainty to better inform decision makers, (4) incorporate nonstationarity, especially with regard to extreme weather events and climate change for long-term planning, and (5) use standardized terminology to accelerate the dissemination of knowledge in the field.
"The Known and the Used" in Child and Youth Care Work

The career of Jerome Beker at the University of Minnesota, where he arrived in 1978, parallels changes in the centers of influence in youth care work in the U.S. Presently the power, momentum, and funding in local and national leadership circles around youth development and youth work resides in private institutes or in non-academic units of universities. The former Center for Youth Development and Research (CYDR) at the University of Minnesota, because of its core focus on integrating theory and practice, would still struggle today, even if it had survived. Much of the work of private initiatives represents everything that is problematic in youthwork and youth development: Ignorance about the history of youthwork and youth development, allowing them to pretend that they were there first; a mismatch of method and hoped-for outcomes—information without meaning, classroom without practice, implementation without mentoring, marketing without pilot-testing or evaluation, training for individuals without context or culture, psychology without morality and politics, short-term expectations of results— and a short attention span. Further, these initiatives are promoted with the illusion that youth development, healthy development, and positive youth development are new ideas. Jerry’s work, in contrast, testifies that there is a tradition. In the first volume and issue of this journal, published in 1971, Jerry described one purpose of the then named Child Care Quarterly as “promoting healthy development” (p. 6). Gisela Konopka used the phrase “youth development” in 1954, in her book Groupwork in the Institution, the first professional practice use of the phrase that I know of, although it
Conduction disturbances after TAVR: Electrophysiological studies and pacemaker dependency.

Abstract Background Permanent pacemaker (PPM) placement occurs in 5–20% of patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Although predictors of pacemaker implantation have been established, features that predispose patients to pacemaker utilization on follow up have not been widely reported. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing commercial TAVR between 2011 and 2016. We collated patients that underwent in-hospital PPM implantation and had a follow up of at least 3 months. Data abstraction was performed for electrophysiological studies (EPS), pacemaker indication, timing, and device interrogation for pacemaker dependency on follow up. Results A total of 24 patients received in-hospital PPM post-TAVR (14% of total cohort), and mean follow up was 22 months. Indications for PPM included resting complete heart block (CHB; 15/24, 63%), left bundle branch block and abnormal electrophysiological study (EPS; 7/24, 29%), alternating bundle branch block (1/24, 4%) and tachy-brady syndrome (1/24, 4%). Pacemaker dependency (underlying ventricular asystole, complete heart block, or >50% pacing) occurred in 8/24 patients (33%) during follow-up, 7 of whom had resting CHB, and one with CHB invoked during EPS. Conclusion Pacemaker dependency after TAVR is common among those that exhibited CHB, but not among those with a prolonged HV delay during EPS. Although preliminary, these observations are relevant to management of rhythm disturbances after TAVR, and may inform the practice of EPS-based PPM implantation.
Evaluation and Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Despite advances in medical management, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Primary PPH occurs in the first 24 h after delivery; secondary PPH occurs from 24 h up to 6 weeks after delivery. Severe postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss greater than 1000 ml associated with clinical evidence for hypovolemia. Etiologies for both primary and secondary PPH have considerable overlap; most common causes are uterine atony, retained placenta, infection, and coagulopathy. First-line treatments for PPH include bimanual uterine compression, examination for and treatment of cervical and vaginal lacerations, and uterotonic medications, including oxytocin, methylergonovine, and prostaglandin analogs. Early blood transfusion should be considered with sustained blood loss and signs of hypovolemic shock; coagulopathy should be screened for and treated when detected. Endocavity balloon tamponade is a bedside procedure to control hemorrhage when first-line treatments fail to stop bleeding. Second-line interventions, which include uterine artery embolization and emergency hysterectomy, have high complication rates, but may be lifesaving when first-line therapy is unsuccessful.
Priorities in hospital care across varying socioeconomic demographics

It is the intent of this study to aggregate subjective hospital performance measures and demographic metrics to identify trends in patient in-hospital experience ratings. Federal regulation requires hospitals to submit Hospital Consumer Assessments of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) results. The HCAHPS survey questionnaires are distributed to hospital patients between 48 hours and six weeks after their discharge with 27 questions regarding their experiences ranging from aspects of their visit such as nurse and doctor communication, care transition, and overall ratings of the hospital. Research in the field has demonstrated that demographic characteristics of the hospital district can affect an individual's perceived hospital experience. Factors such as education level and ethnicity have been shown to impact satisfaction ratings. How well a hospital performs on this survey can affect the level of federal funding and payer reimbursements a hospital receives. Therefore, for hospitals serving certain demographics, there is a potential to receive lower satisfaction results due to a bias given the patient population they largely serve. The goal of our work was to determine what components of care most affect patient satisfaction ratings, and whether these components vary across different demographics; this was done using random forest variable importance analysis. Our findings show that patient priorities, indeed differ across socioeconomic populations when determining the overall perceived value of care. Results of this analysis could allow hospitals to better cater to the priorities of their patients, thereby increasing their HCAHPS scores and resulting funding levels.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder presented in a form of primary effusion lymphoma with t (8; 14)

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are emergent complications of organ transplantation occurring in 2% to 10% of transplanted patients. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections are considered the most important factors for the development of these heterogeneous disorders. Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder predominantly described in patients with advanced AIDS and it is almost universally associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). In rare case, PEL also occurs in HHV8-negative patient, in the setting of hepatitis B and C virus infection. However, all these cases showed pan B-cell markers to be positive. Here, we report a case of PTLD presented as HHV8-negative and HIV-negative primary effusion lymphoma lacking near all lymphoid markers except PAX5 on immunohistochemistry, which created a diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis requires multiple approaches including molecular and genetic tests.
Do the Constructs of the FACES IV Change Based on Definitions of "Family?" A Measurement Invariance Test.

The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES) IV does not provide instructions about which family members respondents should think about while answering questions. This study examined which family members respondents thought about while completing the FACES IV, and if this changed measurement invariance and population heterogeneity of the measure. Using a sample of n = 511 individuals, a latent class analysis showed three distinct classes: Nuclear Family, Family of Origin, and All of the Above. The FACES IV demonstrated measurement invariance across classes on the majority of subscales; however, population heterogeneity tests suggested that the means and variances of the subscales varied across classes. The findings suggest further examination of how the measure functions with unique family constellations is warranted.
Evidence for an Electronic State at the Interface between the SnO2 Core and the TiO2 Shell in Mesoporous SnO2/TiO2 Thin Films

A comparative spectroelectrochemical study of micron thick mesoporous thin films composed of TiO2 and SnO2 nanocrystallites was undertaken to identify the location and identity of electronic state(s) in core/shell SnO2/TiO2 films that have emerging applications in energy science. The mesoporous TiO2 and SnO2 films were synthesized by sol–gel techniques, and the core/shell material was created by atomic layer deposition of a TiO2 shell on a SnO2 core. Electrochemical reduction of these materials in aqueous electrolytes resulted in a blue shift of the fundamental VB → CB absorbance as well as a broad absorbance across the visible region. For SnO2, three unique spectra were required to model the potential dependent data while only one unique spectrum was needed to model the corresponding data for SnO2/TiO2 and TiO2. Significantly, standard addition of the spectra measured for SnO2 and TiO2 did not model that for SnO2/TiO2. In other words, upon reduction of SnO2/TiO2 there was no spectroscopic evidence for el...
Evolution and Classification of Ferns and Lycophytes

The last several decades have seen a transformation in our understanding of the evolutionary history of ferns and lycophytes. Historically the plants belonging to these lineages were grouped together and referred to as “pteridophytes” or “ferns and fern allies.” These terms both describe what we now recognize to be non-monophyletic assemblages, and both reflect a lack of understanding of the relationships of ferns and lycophytes that was only dispelled in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Thanks to the emergence of molecular systematics and the efforts of researchers in the fern and lycophyte community, we now have well-sampled and highly resolved phylogenies that include all tracheophytes, including substantial numbers of ferns and lycophytes. These trees have generated numerous insights about the evolutionary history of all land plants and have clarified the relationships between major groups of tracheophytes and vastly improved our understanding of fern and lycophyte evolution. This chapter reviews the major lineages, diversification events, and transitions in fern and lycophyte evolution and summarizes our current understanding of fern and lycophyte classification based on a modern, community-derived classification system that was recently produced for all 11,916 extant species of ferns and lycophytes.
Comparing Pharmacotherapy Instruction to the 2009 and 2016 ACCP Toolkit Recommendations

Objective. To compare pharmacotherapy instruction in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs with the 2009 and 2016 American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) pharmacotherapy toolkits. Methods. A survey was sent to representatives at US schools and colleges with PharmD programs. The survey consisted of questions pertaining to pharmacotherapy credit-hours, contact time spent for each therapeutic subject area, and pedagogical methods used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. Representatives from 75 of 129 PharmD programs responded (response rate 58%). A median of 23 credit-hours were devoted to required pharmacotherapy. Infectious diseases and cardiology were taught with the most number of contact hours. Lecture was the most popular principal method of instruction delivery but the incorporation of case-based learning was also common. Conclusion. Devoted curricular time to pharmacotherapy is adequate to provide coverage of tier 1 and 2 topics from the ACCP toolkit. PharmD programs should continue to review their pharmacotherapy coursework to adjust topic coverage as needed to incorporate active learning strategies whenever possible.
Early Childhood Education and Teacher Development in Kenya: Lessons Learned

This article draws from the authors' experiences over several years in early childhood education research and professional development activities in Kenya. Both authors have conducted national studies in collaboration with leaders of the National Centre for Early Childhood Education (NACECE) in Nairobi. This article synthesizes findings from these studies, focusing on the national and district systems of preschool teacher training and development and discussing Kenya's rich history of early education and care. Cross-national studies of early childhood professional development and the roles of the state in providing for early childhood development and care can be informed through the “lessons learned” in one contemporary African society.
Bovine tuberculosis control and eradication in Brazil: lessons to learn from the US and Australia.

Abstract Brazil, Australia, and the United States of America (USA) are the top 3 beef exporting countries in the world. Livestock's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounts for 30% of the GDP of the Brazilian agricultural sector, which shares 21.5% of the country's GDP. The livestock production chain generated $148.47 billion USD in 2016, an increase of 27% over 2015 (ABIEC 2016). In 2015, the gross value of Australian cattle and calf production is estimated at $12.7 billion USD and the cattle industry involves 55% of all businesses with agricultural activity in the country (ABS 2017). In turn, the USA beef chain generated $170.62 billion USD and exports $6.34 billion USD in 2016. In terms of GDP, the red meat and poultry slaughter industry is the largest segment of USA agriculture (USDA 2017). In addition, Brazil, Australia, and the USA have other similarities, such as beef cattle predominantly raised in grass feed systems, structured Veterinary Services (VS), and large territorial dimension, which makes animal health challenges of those countries comparable. However, while the USA and Australia have almost solved major animal health challenges such as Foot and Mouth, brucellosis, and tuberculosis (TB), Brazil still has difficulties with those diseases with good progress towards the Foot and Mouth eradication but slowly in regards to brucellosis and TB eradication. Australia is one of the few international examples of successfully eradicating bovine tuberculosis (BTB), and the USA has the longest program of BTB eradication and has nearly eradicated the disease from the nation's livestock population (USDA, 2017). Due to the similarities of the three countries, Brazil can learn from the experience of the USA and Australia to achieve better results in its eradication program. The objectives of this review are: 1) to compare and highlight the similarities and differences between the BTB control and eradication programs of the three major players of the global meat market; 2) to address the challenges for the Brazilian National Program for Control and Eradication of Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT) to eradicate the BTB from the country; and 3) to provide recommendations for improvement of the PNCEBT.