Evaporative water loss simulation improves models' prediction of habitat suitability for a high-elevation forest skink.

Accurate evaluation of habitat availability for wildlife is relevant for ecological applications. Researchers have frequently used models to simulate habitats thermally suitable for reptiles, but these results have limited application for species highly selective for habitat humidity. Here, we use the biophysical Niche Mapper™ model to investigate impacts of vegetation cover on the habitat quality of a high-elevation forest skink, Sphenomorphus taiwanensis, and to predict changes in habitat suitability in a future warmer climate (3 °C increase in air temperature).

Autism litigation: outcomes for 2010, trends in decision making and changes in diagnostic criteria.

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder has systematically risen since Kanner's description in 1943 and Asperger's definition in 1944. An increase in numbers has met with an increase in litigation regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). Outcomes that first favored parents (2002-2004) have moved to outcomes favoring school districts.

The effect of low flow oxygen on sleep-disordered breathing and oxygen desaturation. A study of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease.

Oxygen desaturation occurs during sleep in many patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) and is often caused by sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Nocturnal oxygen therapy should improve nighttime hypoxemia, but might also worsen SDB. Using standard polysomnographic techniques, we evaluated the frequency and duration of oxygen desaturation and SDB during sleep in 11 patients with stable COLD.

Effect of vagotomy on electrical activity of the small intestine of the dog.

The effect of bilateral thoracic vagotomy on the myoelectric activity of the small intestine was determined in conscious dogs. Animals were implanted with electrodes spaced 25 cm apart along the serosal surface of the small intestine, and a cannula was placed in the most dependent portion of the stomach. Recordings were made with dogs in the fasted and fed states.