Gut Microbiota of Migratory Passerines at Stopover

Although the gut microbiota provides many beneficial functions to animal hosts, relatively little is known about the gut microbiota of passerines. It is likely that gut microbes are especially important during the migratory phase; however gut atrophy experienced during prolonged migratory flight may cause disruptions of the stable microbiota. Fecal samples were collected from several species of passerine after crossing the Gulf of Mexico during spring migration and before crossing during fall, and microbiota communities were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Despite showing large inter-individual variation, a core microbiota composed largely of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria was identified in all birds. Microbiota profiles were not related to the energetic condition of birds in either season, therefore microbiota communities do not seem to change based on energetic demand experienced during prolonged migratory flight. Spring and fall migrants showed clear differences in microbiota communities, though only fall migrants showed species-specific profiles. These season and species differences likely reflect the differing conditions and environments experienced by migrants in each stage. Many spring birds recaptured on subsequent days showed distinct shifts in community composition towards a more similar microbiota; with the degree of change in microbiota seemingly related to changes in energetic condition at stopover. Plastid DNA was found to be abundant in the feces of many birds, correlating to seasonal patterns of frugivory in migrants. Taken together, these results suggest that the gut microbiota of migratory passerines is a diverse and dynamic system which is highly impacted by environmental variables

Black Adder Disruptors

This article reports on an empirical research and development project conducted in collaboration by researchers at University of Genoa, Italy, and Johns Hopkins University, United States. It is a progress report summarizing one element of a broader effort that is intended to provide explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operators with reliable, open-source information to assist in the development of low-order munitions disruptors. Providing operators the information necessary to make energetic tools not only reduces cost but can also circumvent the restrictions and delays that often complicate the import of disruptor components

The Coronavirus and the Risks to the Elderly in Long-Term Care

The elderly in long-term care (LTC) and their caregiving staff are at elevated risk from COVID-19. Outbreaks in LTC facilities can threaten the health care system. COVID-19 suppression should focus on testing and infection control at LTC facilities. Policies should also be developed to ensure that LTC facilities remain adequately staffed and that infection control protocols are closely followed. Family will not be able to visit LTC facilities, increasing isolation and vulnerability to abuse and neglect. To protect residents and staff, supervision of LTC facilities should remain a priority during the pandemic

Letter From William C. Bagley to Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, March 5, 1918

A typed letter from William Bagley to Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, dated March 5, 1918. Within, Bagley apologizes and explains he doesn\u27t have time to provide insight into Wilson\u27s educational pamphlet project.https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/fmhw_firstworldwar_documents/1077/thumbnail.jp

Adaptive Health Behaviors Among Minorities

Race. ethnicity. and cultural attitudes and practices are among the variables that influence health behaviors. including adaptive health behaviors. The following discussions highlight the important role of social conditions in shaping health behaviors and the central role of family in promoting health across the Asian, Hispanic. Native American, and African American ethnic groups. Factors that may lead to health-damaging behaviors are also discussed. The need for additional research that identifies correlations among physiological, social. and behavioral factors and health behaviors, as well as underlying mechanisms, is called for

Brief of Amici Curiae 56 Professors of Law and Economics in Support of Petition of Writ of Certiorari

28 U.S.C. § 1400(b) provides that a defendant in a patent case may be sued where the defendant is incorporated or has a regular and established place of business and has infringed the patent. This Court made clear in Fourco Glass Co. v. Transmirra Prods. Corp., 353 U.S. 222, 223 (1957), that those were the only permissible venues for a patent case. But the Federal Circuit has rejected Fourco and the plain meaning of § 1400(b), instead permitting a patent plaintiff to file suit against a defendant anywhere there is personal jurisdiction over that defendant. The result has been rampant forum shopping, particularly by patent trolls. 44% of 2015 patent lawsuits were filed in a single district: the Eastern District of Texas, a forum with plaintiff-friendly rules and practices, and where few of the defendants are incorporated or have established places of business. And an estimated 86% of 2015 patent cases were filed somewhere other than the jurisdictions specified in the statute. Colleen V. Chien & Michael Risch, Recalibrating Patent Venue, Santa Clara Univ. Legal Studies Research Paper No. 10-1 (Sept. 1, 2016), Table 3. This Court should grant certiorari to review the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 1400(b) because the Federal Circuit’s dubious interpretation of the statute plays an outsized and detrimental role, both legally and economically, in the patent system