cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward an Automatic Metadata Management Framework for Smart Oil Fields

Vast volumes of data are continuously generated in smart oilfields from swarms of sensors. On one hand, increasing amounts of such data are stored in large data repositories and accessed over high-speed networks; On the other hand, captured data is further processed by different users in various analysis, prediction and domain-specific procedures that result in even larger volumes of derived datasets. The decision making process in smart oilfields relies on accurate historical, real-time or predicted datasets. However, the difficulty in searching for the right data mainly lies in the fact that data is stored in large repositories carrying no metadata to describe them. The origin or context in which the data was generated cannot be traced back, thus any meaning associated with the data is lost. Integrated views of data are required to make important decisions efficiently and effectively, but are difficult to produce; since data is being generated and stored in the repository may have different formats and schemata pertaining to different vendor products. In this paper, we present an approach based on Semantic Web Technologies that enables automatic annotation of input data with missing metadata, with terms from a domain ontology, which constantly evolves supervised by domain experts. We provide an intuitive user interface for annotation of datasets originating from the seismic image processing workflow. Our datasets contain models and different versions of images obtained from such models, generated as part of the oil exploration process in the oil industry. Our system is capable of annotating models and images with missing metadata, preparing them for integration by mapping such annotations. Our technique is abstract and may be used to annotate any datasets with missing metadata, derived from original datasets. The broader significance of this work is in the context of knowledge capturing, preservation and management for smart oilfields. Specifically our work focuses on extracting domain knowledge into collaboratively curated ontologies and using this information to assist domain experts in seamless data integration.
Static Mode Seeding of Summer Cumuli—A Review

A review of the state of knowledge of the physics of the static mode seeding hypothesis for convective clouds is presented. The central thesis of the review is that the results of past experimental work are diverse but valid and that credibility of the science depends on understanding the physical reasons for the diverse results. Areas of uncertainty and conflicts in evidence associated with the statement of physical hypothesis, the concept of seedability, the seeding operation, and the chain of physical events following seeding are highlighted to identify what issues need to be resolved to further progress in precipitation enhancement research and application.
Antecedents and Consequences of Attitudes toward Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs

Abstract In 1997 the FDA reinterpreted its regulations such that major statements in advertisements could be much simpler than previously required. Since then, television advertisements for prescription drugs have become common. Research has shown that DTC advertising affects brand share positively and increases category sales and that consumer awareness of advertisements for nationally advertised prescription drugs is high, and particularly high among users of prescription drugs and those with poor health conditions (Kaiser Family Foundation 2004). Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) has been the subject of increasing debate in the past decade. Proponents claim that DTC advertising raises awareness about diseases and educates consumers, while opponents contend that DTC advertising fuels the rise in drug consumption. With DTC advertising expenditure reaching more than $4 billion in 2004, how DTC advertising affects consumers' health decision making process becomes a key issue (Kaiser Family Foundation 2...
A Slicing Procedure for 5-Axis LaserAided DMD Process

The 5-axis layered manufacturing technology facilitates fabrication of a part with overhanging features without the use of supports, thereby making a direct-to-use part from the layered manufacturing technology a reality. In this paper a direct slicing procedure for a CAD model, a crucial process-planning task for the 5-axis laser aided DMD process is described. The neutral exchange format IGES is used as the slice format. The machine G and M codes for a CNC 5-axis laser aided DMD machine are generated from the slice format and the deposition process is simulated. Implemented examples are included to explain the slicing procedure.
Papillary Fibroelastoma: An Uncommon Cause for a Transient Ischemic Attack

269 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2005 VOL. 14 NO. 5 S is the leading cause of morbidity in the elderly and the third leading cause of mortality in the United States. Cardioembolic causes may account for approximately 15%–20% of all strokes.1 The potential sources of cardiogenic embolism include atrial fibrillation, left ventricular dysfunction, rheumatic heart disease, prosthetic heart valves, and less commonly, intracardiac tumors. The frequency of primary cardiac tumors is approximately 0.02%, corresponding to 200 tumors in one million autopsies.2 Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is the second most common primary cardiac tumor (myxoma being the most frequent). These benign endocardial tumors predominantly affect the cardiac valves, and account for 75% of all cardiac valvular tumors. This case illustrates detection and surgical removal of the PFE in a patient who presented with a transient ischemic attack. A 64-year-old woman with a history of treated systemic hypertension presented to the emergency department complaining of a new right facial droop and difficulty speaking, which she noticed upon arising from sleep. She denied any prior neurologic events. Cardiac exam revealed a decrescendo grade II/IV diastolic murmur along the left sternal border with no radiation. Computed tomography of the head and bilateral carotid ultrasound exams were unremarkable. A two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram and a subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram (Figure 1) showed trace aortic regurgitation and a 1.3 × 0.8 cm rounded mobile mass on the Images in Geriatric Cardiology
Gender and Compulsory Sterilization Programs in America: 1907–1950

Philip Reilly identified the "dramatic change" that occurred in compulsory sterilizations in the US around 1928. Prior to this time compulsory sterilization rates were similar for men and women with men in the majority. After 1928 more women were targeted and sterilization programs greatly expanded. This study takes this shift in gender as a focal point for an examination of the gendered nature of the sterilization programs. After an introduction the different rationales used to sterilize men and women during 1907-27 are presented. Men were sterilized to reduce the threat they posed to the social order whereas sterilization was used as a tool to control women who were promiscuous or had illegitimate children. Next the shifting emphasis on women is explored by first addressing the motivations of institutional superintendents who promoted sterilization of women with the encouragement of the medical and legal professions. Social rhetoric during this period broke down the logic underpinning male sterilizations but continued to hold women responsible for child rearing and to seek to control reproduction and sexuality despite evidence that eugenic treaties were flawed. The article continues with a look at 1) the systemic support of the sterilization of women by the law and the emerging social work apparatus and 2) the structures of the emerging welfare state that promoted sterilization for "unfit" mothers. Institutional superintendents reacted to the external environment that favored sterilization of women by expanding their own use of this "therapeutic" tool.
Elucidation of a Complete Kinetic Mechanism for a Mammalian Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (HSD) and Identification of All Enzyme Forms on the Reaction Coordinate THE EXAMPLE OF RAT LIVER 3α-HSD (AKR1C9)

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) are essential for the biosynthesis and mechanism of action of all steroid hormones. We report the complete kinetic mechanism of a mammalian HSD using rat 3α-HSD of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily (AKR1C9) with the substrate pairs androstane-3,17-dione and NADPH (reduction) and androsterone and NADP+ (oxidation). Steady-state, transient state kinetics, and kinetic isotope effects reconciled the ordered bi-bi mechanism, which contained 9 enzyme forms and permitted the estimation of 16 kinetic constants. In both reactions, loose association of the NADP(H) was followed by two conformational changes, which increased cofactor affinity by >86-fold. For androstane-3,17-dione reduction, the release of NADP+ controlled kcat, whereas the chemical event also contributed to this term. kcat was insensitive to [2H]NADPH, whereas Dkcat/Km and the Dklim (ratio of the maximum rates of single turnover) were 1.06 and 2.06, respectively. Under multiple turnover conditions partial burst kinetics were observed. For androsterone oxidation, the rate of NADPH release dominated kcat, whereas the rates of the chemical event and the release of androstane-3,17-dione were 50-fold greater. Under multiple turnover conditions full burst kinetics were observed. Although the internal equilibrium constant favored oxidation, the overall Keq favored reduction. The kinetic Haldane and free energy diagram confirmed that Keq was governed by ligand binding terms that favored the reduction reactants. Thus, HSDs in the aldo-keto reductase superfamily thermodynamically favor ketosteroid reduction.
Occupation-Centered Assessment of Children

The past 5 years have seen increasing calls to reexamine our assessment and intervention practices to ensure that they reflect the profession's basic focus on occupation. Although a number of noteworthy efforts in this direction have been presented for adult practice areas, implementation of occupation-centered assessment in pediatric has been hampered by the lack of a consistent framework to guide this process. This article will present an adaptation of the functional assessment model proposed by Trombly (1993) designed to better reflect the unique needs and situations of children. It is a multilevel model that examines the pattern of a child's occupations in a particular environment as well as the performance of important tasks and activities that are part of these occupations. It is proposed that this model can serve as an organizing framework for an occupation-centered assessment process by helping to identify the critical questions that need to be addressed at each level of analysis and the kinds of measures that might be used to obtain relevant information. The newly completed School Function Assessment will be used to illustrate application of the framework to examine occupational performance of children in elementary school.
Protein turnover in compensated chronic aortic regurgitation.

We recently demonstrated dynamic alterations in protein turnover 3 days and 1 month after surgical induction of aortic regurgitation (AR). To characterize protein synthesis and degradation during the long-term plateau phase, we performed [3H]-leucine infusion 2.5 years after induction of AR in 10 New Zealand White rabbits and 12 sham-operated controls. Protein fractional synthesis rates were obtained by analyses of plasma and protein hydrolysates, growth rates from protein concentration and heart weight measurements, and degradation rates by subtraction of growth from synthesis rates. AR (regurgitant fraction 25 ± 11%) caused a 57% increase in left ventricular (LV) weight in comparison with controls (7.4 ± 1.7 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6 g, p
TSH-based protocol, tablet instability, and absorption effects on L-T4 bioequivalence.

Background: FDA Guidance for pharmacokinetic (PK) testing of levothyroxine (L-T4) for interbrand bioequivalence has evolved recently. Concerns remain about efficacy and safety of the current protocol, based on PK analysis following supraphysiological L-T4 dosing in euthyroid volunteers, and recent recalls due to intrabrand manufacturing problems also suggest need for further refinement. We examine these interrelated issues quantitatively, using simulated what-if scenarios testing efficacy of a TSH-based protocol and tablet stability and absorption, to enhance precision of L-T4 bioequivalence methods. Methods: We use an updated simulation model of human thyroid hormone regulation quantified and validated from data that span a wide range of normal and abnormal thyroid system function. Bioequivalence: We explored a TSH-based protocol, using normal replacement dosing in simulated thyroidectomized patients, switching brands after 8 weeks of full replacement dosing. We simulated effects of tablet potency differ...
Patient Radiation Exposure in a Modern, Large-Volume, Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Radiation exposure from pediatric cardiac catheterization may be substantial, although published estimates vary. We sought to report patient radiation dose across a range of diagnostic and interventional cases in a modern, high-volume pediatric catheterization laboratory. We retrospectively reviewed diagnostic and interventional cases performed in our pediatric catheterization laboratory from 1 April 2009 to 30 September 2011 for which radiation usage data were available as reported by the Artis Zee® (Siemens Medical Solutions) system. Electrophysiology cases were excluded. Radiation dose was quantified as air kerma dose (mGy) and dose-area product (DAP; μGy m2). The DAP was converted to an effective dose millisievert (mSv) using the Monte Carlo method. Radiation usage data were available from 2,265 diagnostic and interventional cases with an overall median air kerma dose of 135 mGy [interquartile range (IQR) 59–433], median DAP of 760 μGy m2 (IQR 281–2,810), of which 75 % (IQR 59–90 %) was derived from fluoroscopy, and median effective dose of 6.2 mSv (IQR 2.7–14.1). Air kerma dose from a single camera >2,000 mGy occurred in 1.8 % of cases. Significant differences in all measures of radiation exposure existed based on procedural and interventional types (p = 0.0001), with interventional cases associated with the highest effective dose after adjusting for patient weight category (p < 0.001). Patient weight, age, fluoroscopy time, and proportional use of digital acquisition were independent predictors of exposure (p ≤ 0.001; R2 = 0.59–0.64). In a modern, large-volume pediatric catheterization laboratory, the median effective dose is 6.2 mSv with a wide range of exposure based on patient- and procedure-specific factors. Radiation monitoring is an important component of a pediatric laboratory and further dose reduction strategies are warranted.
Heavy Metal Ion Adsorbents Formed by the Grafting of a Thiol Functionality to Mesoporous Silica Molecular Sieves: Factors Affecting Hg(II) Uptake

A new approach to heavy metal ion adsorbents based on the covalent grafting of 3-mercaptopropylsilyl groups to the framework pore walls of mesoporous silica molecular sieves has been investigated with regard to hydroxyl group densities, channel dimensions, and morphologies. Two types of silicas were examined, namely, MCM-41 with an initially anionic silicate framework and HMS with an electrically neutral framework. The MCM-41 derivative was obtained through electrostatic S+X-I+ assembly, where S+ was a quaternary ammonium ion surfactant, X- was a halide, and I+ was the silica precursor derived from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in acidic solution. HMS silicas were assembled by a S°I° pathway using alkylamines as surfactants (S°) and TEOS as the neutral silica source (I°). Prior to thiol functionalization of the mesostructures by a one-step grafting procedure, S+ was removed from MCM-41 by calcination, whereas for HMS, S° was removed by solvent extraction. The grafting process was much more effective for...
Morphometric analysis of myocardium from copper-deficient pigs

Abstract Volume densities and ultrastructure of mitochondria and myofibrils from hearts of copper-deficient pigs were evaluated in two studies. Weaned male pigs (21 d of age) were fed purified diets with adequate copper (Study 1: 7.1 mg Cu/Kg, n=4; Study 2: 8.4 mg Cu/Kg, n=6) or no copper added (Study 1:1.2 mg Cu/kg, n=4; Study 2: 0.84 mg Cu/Kg, n=5). Pigs in both studies fed the copper-deficient diet developed symptoms of copper deficiency, including decreased levels of the micronutrient in liver, heart and plasma, and increased heart to body weight ratio. Morphometric evaluation revealed a significant increase in mitochondrial volume density and in the ratio of mitochondria to myofibril volume densities in copper-deficient hearts. The myofibril volume density and the heart to body weight ratio was positively correlated in study 1, suggesting that the enlarged hearts of the Cu deficient pigs were due to an increase in the volumes of both mitochondria and myofibril compartments. Mitochondria in areas appeared vacuolated and cristae were fragmented in the copper-deficient pig myocardium as opposed to the normal parallel array of these structures. Separated myofilaments and deposits of glycogen granules were also evident in the copper-deficient pig heart. These results suggest that copper-deficiency alters the ultrastructural characteristics of the pig heart in a similar manner as previously reported for the laboratory rat.
The vocation of motherhood: Husserl and feminist ethics

In this paper, I explore a confrontation between Husserl’s ethical position of vocation and its absolute ought with a feminist ethical position. I argue that Husserl’s ethics has a great deal to offer a feminist ethics by providing for the possibility of an ethics that is particular rather than universal, that recognizes the role of the social through tradition in establishing values and norms without conceding the ethical responsibility of the individual, and that acknowledges the role of both reason and desire in establishing moral values that has the consequence of breaking down the public/private distinction that has reigned in so many ethical theories. In order to make this case, I proceed with a review of Husserl’s position of the absolute ought, some typical criticisms that might be leveled at his position, and finally, responses to those criticisms that show ways in which Husserl’s position can be beneficial to the formulation of a feminist ethics that is inclusive of the emotional aspect of moral valuation, and the particularity of ethical commitments, while providing for a different way of evaluating thinking that accommodates what are usually understood to be “feminine” concerns. In addition to describing Husserl’s position, I show how that position meets some of the expectations for a feminist ethics as put forth by Iris Marion Young and Sara Ruddick.
A Perspective On Large Space Structure Control

In this paper a control engineer's point of view of the Large Space Structure (LSS) problem is presented. A definition of a "large" space structure from a control engineer's standpoint is presented along with a discussion of the various factors which drive the control problem. The interaction of the controller with the structure to be controlled is explored to point out the role of each disipline in solving any practical LSS problem. The ways in which they can contribute to a successful system are presented. Finally, the role of the optics engineer as both system user and technology provider is discussed.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN DYSTHYMIC AND MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

The lists of associated symptoms included in the DSM-III, DSM-III-R, and DSM-IV criteria for dysthymic disorder have been criticized for lacking content and discriminant validity. The literature on the content and discriminant validity of dysthymic symptoms was reviewed and relevant data from the DSM-IV Mood Disorders Field Trial were presented. These data indicate that cognitive and social-motivational symptoms are much more characteristic of dysthymic disorder than are vegetative and psychomotor symptoms. In addition, subjects with major depressive disorder exhibit higher rates of most depressive symptoms than do subjects with dysthymic disorder, but there is little evidence of qualitative distinctions in symptomatology between these conditions. Finally, after taking course and exclusion criteria into account, variations in the symptom criteria do not have a major effect on case definition.
Attentional bias in euthymic bipolar I disorder

Little is known about the nature of the relation between information-processing biases and affective traits in bipolar disorder. The present study was designed to investigate whether attentional biases are evident in persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder when they are in a positive mood state, and whether biases are related to indices of emotion regulation and to prior history of mood episodes. Ninety adults diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and 81 controls with no lifetime mood disorder underwent a positive mood induction and then completed an emotion face dot-probe task; participants in the bipolar disorder group also completed a self-report measure of responses to positive affect. Attentional bias was not related to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or to symptom severity. Consistent with hypotheses, analyses within the bipolar group indicated that greater dampening of positive affect related to significantly less attention paid to the positively valenced faces. Discussion focuses on the potential role of affective traits in shaping attentional bias in bipolar disorder.
Crystalline-amorphous transition of NiZr2, NiZr and Ni3Zr by electron irradiation

Abstract Three intermetallic compounds in the NiZr system were irradiated with 1 MeV electrons in a high-voltage electron microscope over the temperature range 10–200 K. All three compounds were amorphized by the electron irradiation with varying degrees of amorphization tendency and different critical temperatures. The critical dose at 10 K and the critical temperature for amorphization were 0.22 displacements per atom (d.p.a.) and 200 K, 0.37 d.p.a and 100 K and 3.18 d.p.a. and 50 K for NiZr2, NiZr and Ni3Zr respectively. The critical dose increases from NiZr2 to Ni3Zr at all the irradiation temperatures investigated. The difference in enthalpy between the amorphous and crystalline states of these compounds, which was estimated from the Debye temperature ratio between the amorphous and crystalline states of each compound, also increases from NiZr2 to Ni3Zr. The large difference in the critical temperature of the three compounds is noteworthy, suggesting that the mobility of the point defects which are responsible for restoring the chemical order is substantially different for these compounds.
Intraoperative Recording of the Magnetic Field of a Human Nerve

Accurate, quantitative assessment of nerve function during surgical procedures has been impeded by inherent limitations of extracellular electrophysiological recording techniques. Extracellular recordings are hampered by critical constraints on electrode placement, uncertainty in the conductivity of the moist layer on the outside of the nerve, and the risks involved in the essential elevation of the nerve in the air for recording. Our laboratory has developed a neuromagnetic current probe system that affords room- or body-temperature recording of magnetic signals as small as one millionth of the earth’s magnetic field strength. In addition, we have designed and constructed an ‘openable,’ toroidal magnetic probe that can be placed around a nerve to assess the magnetic field arising from the electrical current flow within the active axons and across their membranes. A mathematical deconvolution model allows determination of the types and number of axons contributing to a compound nerve signal. Wikswo (1989) lists key references.
Substance Abuse With Mental Disorders: Specialized Public Systems And Integrated Care

Separate public financing and regulation of substance (SA) abuse treatment distinct from mental health (MH) treatment preserves a focus on the special needs of those with substance abuse but creates challenges to providing appropriate care for the large number of people with co-occurring conditions. This paper reviews recent efforts to overcome these challenges through clinical and systems approaches that better integrate care. Although much progress has been made for some subgroups of people with co-occurring disorders, further efforts to develop and sustain clinically integrated service delivery approaches within separate systems, particularly in SA treatment settings, are needed.
Bow hunter's syndrome caused by accessory cervical ossification: posterolateral decompression and the use of intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography.

Abstract Background Bow hunter's syndrome refers to symptomatic vertebrobasilar insufficiency provoked by physiologic head rotation. Case Description We report a unique case of bow hunter's syndrome caused by an accessory cervical ossification and the first use of intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography directly upon the vertebral artery during the surgical repair. After a traumatic motor-vehicle collision, the patient developed recurrent syncopal episodes when he turned his head abruptly to the right. Transcranial Doppler studies and vertebral angiography with the patient's neck rotated into the symptomatic position revealed marked reduction of vertebral artery flow, and fine-cut CT of the upper cervical spine demonstrated the compressive accessory ossicle. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound performed with the head in neutral and rotated positions, before and after surgical decompression, demonstrated restoration of blood flow in the vertebral artery. We discuss the mechanisms of bow hunter's syndrome and the advantages of intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography. Conclusion This case describes the first use of intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography directly upon the vertebral artery to provide an unrestricted real-time assessment of the surgical decompression for bow hunter's syndrome.
Patient-Provider Racial and Ethnic Concordance and Parent Reports of the Primary Care Experiences of Children

PURPOSE Studies among adults suggest that patient-provider racial concordance is associated with higher satisfaction and partnership with physicians. It remains unknown whether similar findings are true for children. This study examines the association of race/ethnicity concordance with parent reports of children’s primary care experiences. METHODS We completed telephone interviews with a random, cross-sectional sample of 413 parents of elementary school children, aged 5 to 12 years, enrolled in a single large school district serving 3 cities in San Bernardino, Calif. Parents reported on their children’s primary care experiences, and the responses were compared between children in race concordant and discordant patient-provider relationships. RESULTS We assessed parent reports of 6 structure and process features of primary care: first-contact care (accessibility, utilization), longitudinality (strength of affiliation, interpersonal relationship), and comprehensiveness (services offered, received). Before and after controlling for demographics, socioeconomic status, and health system factors, race/ethnicity concordance was not associated with children’s primary care experiences. Minority parents generally reported poorer experiences than whites in several domains of primary care, but the only significant effect of race/ethnicity concordance was slightly better primary care utilization for whites in concordant relationships, which did not hold after adjustment. CONCLUSION In contrast with studies among adults, patient-provider race/ethnicity concordance was not associated with parent reports of primary care experiences in our sample of children. It is possible that provider biases or patient expectations that contribute to disparities in care for adults are attenuated in relationships involving children.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Stimulates Adenoviral-Mediated Gene Transfer Across the Apical Membrane of Epithelial Cells

Background The apical surface of polarized epithelial cells is relatively resistant to gene delivery by various agents including adenoviral vectors. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) dedifferentiates previously well-polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayers by altering cell-surface polarity and inhibiting tight junction function. Methods We used an in vitro model of polarized MDCK cells grown on permeable supports to examine the effects of HGF pretreatment on adenoviral (Ad)-mediated gene delivery through the apical surface of epithelial cell monolayers. Results HGF pretreatment of MDCK cell monolayers for 72 h increased Ad-mediated gene transfer and expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and luciferase in a dose-dependent fashion. Time-course analysis of HGF-induced stimulation of Ad-mediated gene transfer was seen after 24 h and increased further with pretreatment periods extending to 72 h. HGF pretreatment increased Ad-mediated gene transfer at varying multiplicity of infection (MOI; ranging from 0.2–2000). PCR analysis for adenoviral DNA in control and HGF-pretreated MDCK cells suggested increased entry of viral constructs into HGF-pretreated MDCK cell monolayers. HGF-induced alterations in cell polarity are reversible upon removal of HGF. Conclusions These data demonstrate that HGF pretreatment of MDCK cells increases the sensitivity of the cells to Ad-mediated gene delivery. The mechanism by which this occurs appears to be through increased entry of adenovirus into epithelial cells. These data provide evidence that biological agents that transiently alter epithelial cell polarity and tight junction function can be used to augment Ad-mediated gene delivery into epithelial cells from the apical surface. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semen extenders to salvage ejaculate in a retrograde ejaculate environment: A potential use in spinal cord-injured men

Abstract Infertility is a well-recognized complication in spinal cord-injured men. Vibratory stimulation and electroejaculation are being used to overcome the inability to ejaculate, but poor sperm quality remains a significant problem. Retrograde ejaculation is known to occur with both sperm retrieval techniques, and may contribute to the poor semen quality. In addition, the amount of retrograde ejaculate produced is generally of sufficient quantity worthy of salvaging. We investigated the effectiveness of various semen media in maintaining the viability of healthy sperm placed in a retrograde ejaculate environment. Six semen extenders, media used to process spermatozoa for artificial insemination and to maintain viability during cryopreservation, were studied. We found that Ham's F-10 with 3.5gm% bovine serum albumin seems to be an effective medium to maintain sperm viability over a wide range of urine concentrations (up to 60% to 80% urine), and potentially, may be useful by its infusion into the bladder before vibratory or electrostimulation to enhance the recovery of greater numbers of viable sperm from the retrograde environment.
Simultaneous Multiple Targeting Techniques

During 1968 two new internal targeting modes were successfully tried in the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS). These modes will substantially increase the utilization of the ZGS by giving beam to several beam lines on the same machine pulse for the entire length of flattop. One of these modes, using two targets 180° apart, was tried in preparation for utilization of the second extracted proton beam area. Beam intensity could be arbitrarily divided on the two targets for the full 750 msec flattop. Additionally, secondary particles from one of these targets can provide a pion beam into the Meson Area. Measurements of emittance showed no significant change from previous single-target extraction. Another mode utilized beam sharing on two targets located about five feet apart in the magnetic field of the ZGS ring magnet. In this case, an extracted proton beam (EPB) was delivered into the EPB-I area; a neutron beam at 10 production angle and a pion beam were delivered into the Meson Area. It appears possible to combine these two modes and thus be able to provide a 750 msec spill into four different beam lines on each machine pulse.
Temporal-method estimates of Ne from highly polymorphic loci

The temporal method is used widely to estimategenetic effective population size (Ne), a parameter of fundamental interestto studies of evolutionary and conservationbiology. The statistical properties oftemporal-method estimates have not beenexplored for highly polymorphic DNA markersthat often contain many alleles occurring invery low frequencies. We used a Monte Carlosimulation approach to assess accuracy andprecision of the temporal method whenimplemented with haplotypic/allelic data atmitochondrial (mt)DNA and nuclear-encodedmicrosatellite DNA loci. Estimates of Ne were between 2%–106% greater thantheir true values in 48 simulationsparameterized using different demographicscenarios, models of mutation, and samplesizes. Overestimation of Ne resultsfrom a bias in the approximation used by Waples(1989) to derive the relationship between theexpected temporal variance (F) and Ne when allele frequencies are very closeto 0 or 1. Our results show that one commonlyapplied solution to this problem, binning oflow-frequency alleles, results in a trade-offof accuracy and precision in some cases. Weshow that both chi-square and normalapproximations are appropriate for estimating95% confidence intervals of Ne andwe develop a power analysis based on thechi-square distribution to estimate samplesizes and allelic diversity required toevaluate specific hypotheses. For highlypolymorphic loci like mtDNA andmicrosatellites, the increased precisionafforded by the presence of rare allelesoutweighs the upward bias in temporal-methodestimates of Ne.
Implications of Contingency Planning Support for Weather and Icing Information

A human-centered systems analysis was applied to the adverse aircraft weather encounter problem in order to identify desirable functions of weather and icing information. The importance of contingency planning was identified as emerging from a system safety design methodology as well as from results of other aviation decision-making studies. The relationship between contingency planning support and information on regions clear of adverse weather was investigated in a scenario- based analysis. A rapid prototype example of the key elements in the depiction of icing conditions was developed in a case study, and the implications for the components of the icing information system were articulated.
Black Bass and Crappie Use of Installed Habitat Structures in Table Rock Lake, Missouri

AbstractReservoirs are important resources utilized by millions of freshwater anglers annually, but as reservoirs age the quality of the habitat that they provide for fish deteriorates. In 2007, a large-scale habitat improvement project began on Table Rock Lake, Missouri, with the goal of supplementing existing fish habitat in this large reservoir. Over 2,000 habitat structures composed of cedar, pine, hardwoods, stumps, and rocks were installed between 2007 and 2013. By means of scuba surveys, we evaluated the use of these structures by black bass Micropterus spp. and crappies Pomoxis spp. to determine whether it varied among fish species, fish sizes, and structure types. Black bass were observed utilizing all structure types but appeared to utilize hardwoods most. Covariates such as water depth and visibility at the structure confounded our analysis of black bass use, however, limiting our ability to clearly document differences in use. Crappies never used rock structures, and more crappies were observe...
Bouyancy-Induced Convective Heat Transfer in Cylindrical Transformers Filled With Mineral Oil With Nano-Suspensions

The heat transfer characteristics of a transformer using both standard mineral oil and nanodiamond oil was investigated numerically and compared to experimental measurements. The results of the model agree well with the standard oil measurements and with theoretical convective flows from the literature. However, the simulations could not predict the magnitude of the temperature variation in the nanodiamond oil, although the appropriate trend was observed. Because properties of the nanodiamond transformer oil are not well known, good agreement is not expected. Nevertheless, nanodiamond in transformer oil shows enhanced heat transfer performance over standard transformer oil.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Comparison of passive cable model predictions and physiologic measurements of CA1 hippocampal neurons

A passive dendritic cable model, derived from the detailed structure of CA1 pyramidal neurons, has been used to compare predictions of electrotonic length, synaptic potential generation and dendritic conduction with physiologic measurements. Comparison of fast excitatory synaptic potentials from experimental and modeling approaches has indicated probable passive conduction of these signals in pyramidal neuron dendrites. This modeling approach has been extended to simulation of inhibitory and slow excitatory synaptic signals, in terms of location, magnitude and waveform of the conductance change input. The inclusion of specific dendritic structure allows the analysis of electrotonic length and synaptic potentials in normal and pathological dendrites, as in the evaluation of dendritic properties in animal models of senescence and epilepsy. >
Effects of Skip-Row Planting Pattern and Planting Date on Dryland Cotton Insect Pest Abundance and Selected Plant Parameters

Abstract. Three planting-date windows [early — 3 weeks before (i.e., 26–29 April) the recommended optimum planting window; timely — the commonly recommended optimum planting window of 16–19 May; and late — 3 weeks after (i.e., 6–9 June) the recommended optimum planting window] and three planting patterns (Solid — solidrow stand; Skip 2×1 — two rows planted, one row skipped; and Skip 2×2 — two rows planted, two rows skipped) were evaluated to determine their influence on abundance and population dynamics of arthropods during 3 years in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., on the Texas Rolling Plains. Arthropod species sampled included thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande); cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter); cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover; and bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). Planting date significantly influenced aphid abundance. Fewer aphids were found in early-planted cotton (1.0 per leaf) compared with timely (2.3 per leaf) or late (1.8 per leaf) planted cotton. Similarly, ...
Central arterial hemodynamics in larval bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana): developmental and seasonal influences

Central arterial hemodynamics (blood pressure and velocity) as a function of ontogeny and season were determined in larval Rana catesbeiana (body mass 0.3-8.7 g, 20-22 degrees C). Ventricular systolic pressure increased from 1.8 mmHg at stage (St) II to 11.9 mmHg at St XIII, while ventricular diastolic pressures usually were less than 1.0 mmHg. In early stages (up to St V-VII) of fall/winter larvae, the pressure waveform in the conus arteriosus was often biphasic. The first peak was due to weak ventricular contraction (sometimes inadequate to eject blood into the arterial tree), and a stronger second peak resulted from conal contraction. In these young fall/winter larvae, the conus--not the ventricle--was the major circulatory pump. Older larvae (greater than St X) showed "adultlike" central hemodynamics, with the ventricle ejecting blood through the conus into the central arterial circulation. Systolic blood pressure was considerably higher in young spring/summer (April-June) larvae, and the ventricle rather than the conus was the main circulatory pump at all stages, in contrast to fall/winter larvae. Thus both season and development have profound influences on the central hemodynamics of bullfrog larvae.
Cross-species queries of large gene expression databases

Motivation: Expression databases, including the Gene Expression Omnibus and ArrayExpress, have experienced significant growth over the past decade and now hold hundreds of thousands of arrays from multiple species. Since most drugs are initially tested on model organisms, the ability to compare expression experiments across species may help identify pathways that are activated in a similar way in humans and other organisms. However, while several methods exist for finding co-expressed genes in the same species as a query gene, looking at co-expression of homologs or arbitrary genes in other species is challenging. Unlike sequence, which is static, expression is dynamic and changes between tissues, conditions and time. Thus, to carry out cross-species analysis using these databases, we need methods that can match experiments in one species with experiments in another species. Results: To facilitate queries in large databases, we developed a new method for comparing expression experiments from different species. We define a distance metric between the ranking of orthologous genes in the two species. We show how to solve an optimization problem for learning the parameters of this function using a training dataset of known similar expression experiments pairs. The function we learn outperforms previous methods and simpler rank comparison methods that have been used in the past for single species analysis. We used our method to compare millions of array pairs from mouse and human expression experiments. The resulting matches can be used to find functionally related genes, to hypothesize about biological response mechanisms and to highlight conditions and diseases that are activating similar pathways in both species. Availability: Supporting methods, results and a Matlab implementation are available from http://sb.cs.cmu.edu/ExpQ/ Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Some Considerations for the Development of Diets for Mature Rodents Used in Long-Term Investigations

Nutritional requirements for mature rodents used in long-term investigations are virtually unknown. The limited knowledge of the dietary needs of mature rodents is due in part to overreliance on weanling animals fed an experimental diet for relatively short periods. Generalizations made from observations of weanling rodents are not appropriate for all ages. Dietary recommendations for rodents have been established, for the most part, by using the nutritional benchmark of maximal growth rate in animals fed ad libitum. Although this method provides valuable insight into the understanding of nutritional deficiency, it is less effective in determining nutrient requirements for mature animals used for the long term. The implication that maximal growth resulting from ad libitum feeding may not indicate the best dietary regimen in the long term is consistent with the observation that energy-restricted rodents live significantly longer and have lower incidence of disease that do their ad libitum-fed counterparts. These and other findings discussed in the review suggest that nutrient requirements established for young rodents may need re-evaluation to determine their applicability to the dietary recommendations for older animals used in long-term investigations.
Expanding Continuous Authentication with Mobile Devices

More sophisticated methods of detecting user interaction with computers and smartphones are needed for better security and usability. Multimodal continuous authentication is one of the more promising authentication methods on the horizon.
Development of the Exams Data Analysis Spreadsheet as a Tool To Help Instructors Conduct Customizable Analyses of Student ACS Exam Data

The American Chemical Society Examinations Institute (ACS-EI) has recently developed the Exams Data Analysis Spread (EDAS) as a tool to help instructors conduct customizable analyses of their student data from ACS exams. The EDAS calculations allow instructors to analyze their students’ performances both at the total score and individual item levels, while also providing national normative results that can be used for comparison. Additionally, instructors can analyze results based on subsets of items of their choosing or items based on the “big ideas” from the Anchoring Concepts Content Map (ACCM). In order to evaluate the utility and usability of the EDAS for instructors, the EDAS went through trial testing with 10 chemistry instructors from across the country. The instructor feedback confirmed that the EDAS has multiple implications for the classroom and departmental assessment, but some additional revisions were needed to increase its usability. This feedback was also used to make a video user-guide th...
Hairy Woodpecker Winter Ecology in Ponderosa Pine Forests Representing Different Ages Since Wildfire

We investigated how changes in vegetation structure and prey resources following wildfire affected the winter ecology of hairy woodpeckers (Picoides villosus) in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests of northern Arizona, USA. Using point-counts, radiotelemetry, and focal bird observation, we assessed the relative abundance, home range size and composition, and habitat use by foraging hairy woodpeckers in 3 stands that had experienced wildfire in 1996, 2000, or 2002. Because we conducted the study over 2 years, we used the 1996 fire to represent 6 and 7 years after fire, while we used the 2000 fire to represent 2 and 3 years after fire in a space-for-time substitution chronosequence analysis. We also assessed bark beetle and woodborer density by x-raying bark samples collected from a subset of trees within burned areas. We detected significantly greater hairy woodpecker relative abundance in burned forests representing 1 and 2 years after fire, and bark beetle and woodborer density was highest in these stands as well. Woodpecker home range size increased across stands representing increasing time since fire. Within a burn, hairy woodpeckers used high-severity burned areas more than moderate-severity burned areas representing 2 and 3 years after fire, but not in areas representing 6 and 7 years after fire. Bark beetle and woodborer densities were also higher in high-severity burned stands representing 2 and 3 years after fire. Hairy woodpeckers used edges of high-severity burned areas more than the interior. We hypothesize that an initial increase in bark beetle and woodborer density following fire allowed for higher woodpecker abundance and smaller home ranges, but as burned forests aged, bark beetle and woodborer density within trees decreased, killed trees fell, and, in response, hairy woodpecker relative abundance decreased and home range size increased. These patterns suggest that high-severity burned areas provide important but ephemeral resources to this dominant primary cavity-nester. The higher bark beetle and woodborer densities and greater use of edges of high-severity burned areas by woodpeckers suggests that salvage logging of these areas could remove potential prey and preferred foraging areas for hairy woodpeckers, especially when trees are removed along severely burned edges.