cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurovascular function and sudorimetry in health and disease.

In this review of thermoregulatory function in health and disease, we review the basic mechanisms control- ling skin blood flow of the hairy and glabrous skin and illustrate the major differences in blood flow to glabrous skin, which is, in essence, sympathetically mediated, while hairy skin is dependent upon neuropeptidergic signals, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin, among others. Laser Doppler methods of quantification of blood flow—in response to iontophoresis of acetylcholine or heat—and nociceptor-mediated blood flow have relatively uniformly demonstrated an impaired capacity to increase blood flow to the skin in diabetes and in its forerunners, prediabetes and the metabolic syndrome. This reduced capacity is likely to be a significant contributor to the development of foot ulcerations and amputations in diabetes, and means of increasing blood flow are clearly needed. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms is likely toprovideameans ofidentifying avaluabletherapeutictarget. Thermoregulatory control of sweating is intimately linked to the autonomic nervous system via sympathetic C fibers, and sweat glands are richly endowed with a neuropeptidergic innervation. Sweating disturbances are prevalent in diabetes and its precursors, and quantification of sweating may be useful as an index of diagnosis of somatic and, probably, autonomic dysfunction. Moreover, quantifying this distur- bance in sweating by various methods may be useful in identifying the risk of progression from prediabetes to diabe- tes, as well as responses to therapeutic intervention. We now have the technological power to take advantage of this phys- iological arrangement to better understand, monitor, and treat disorders of small nerve fibers and the somatic and autonomic nervous system (ANS). Newer methods of sudomotor func- tiontesting are rapid,noninvasive,not technically demanding, and accessible to the outpatient clinic. Whether the potential applications are screening for diabetes, following poorly con- trolled diabetes subjects during alteration of their treatment regimen, or simply monitoring somatic and autonomic func- tionthroughout the course of treatment,sudorimetry can bean invaluable tool for today' sc linicians.
Analytical schemes for a new class of fractional differential equations

Fractional differential equations (FDEs) considered so far contain mostly left (or forward) fractional derivatives. In this paper, we present analytical solutions for a class of FDEs which contain both the left and the right (or the forward and the backward) fractional derivatives. The methods presented use properties of fractional integral operators (which, in many cases, lead to Volterra-type integral equations), an operational approach and a successive approximation method to obtain the solutions. The methods are demonstrated using some examples. The FDEs considered may come from fractional variational calculus (FVC) or from other physical principles. In the case of fractional variational problems (FVPs), the transversality conditions are used to identify appropriate boundary conditions and to solve the problems. It is hoped that this study will lead to further investigations in the field and more elegant solutions would be found.
Political Interests and Regulatory Enforcement in the Aftermath of Accidents

This article studies how political interests influence the enforcement of occupational safety and health (OSH) in the aftermath of accidents. Examining post-accident circumstances allows one to see how relationships between political interests and regulatory enforcement are affected by the fact that regulators routinely deal with morally ambiguous situations of potential harm, instead of the actual harm that is addressed after accidents. The evidence suggests that consistent with theories of regulatory capture, the ambiguity of regulatory violations does not affect relationships between OSH enforcement and politics: Overall support for government control of business activities appears to be of greatest importance.
Compaction behavior of cellulose polymers

Abstract Four cellulose polymers were investigated for their compaction behavior: Ethyl cellulose (EC), cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and cellulose acetate propionate (CAPr). The polymer powders were compressed under pressures ranging from 7.87 MPa to 47.21 MPa. The compression behavior of the four polymers was analyzed by the Kawakita, Heckel and Cooper—Eaton methods and the compression parameters were calculated. Compared to the other polymers, CAB showed higher densification due to particle rearrangement (0.54±0.04 g ml−1). The yield pressure for rearrangement calculated from the slope of the Cooper—Eaton plot (4.76±0.59 MPa) was significantly lower for CAB than for the other polymers. The yield pressure to induce plastic deformation calculated from the slope of the Heckel plot was the lowest for CAB. In the Cooper—Eaton analysis, the calculated theoretical maximum attainable relative density at infinite pressure was larger than 1 for all the polymer powders except for EC. This suggests that compression of these polymer powders cannot be explained simply by particle rearrangement and plastic deformation. CAB compacts had superior tensile strength compared to the other polymers at similar compression pressures. At pressures above 31.48 MPa the tensile strength of compacts made from CAB and CA were comparable. At equal packing fractions, however, CA compacts had superior tensile strengths. This indicates that, even though CA is less compressible than CAB, it produces stronger compacts on compression. The polymer powder properties, determined and derived, did not predict the compression parameters very accurately when used individually. However, when several of the powder properties were combined in a multiple regression equation, acceptable correlation coefficients were obtained for the predictor equations.
Plant Growth Regulators Can Enhance the Recovery of Kentucky Bluegrass Sod from Heat Injury

A primary economic concern of sod producers is loss of sod quality during the transportation, storage, and transplant stages of sale. Although a number of cultural methods have been documented for potentially reducing sod heating, many of the biological mechanisms are yet to be investigated. This study investigated the influences of selected plant growth regulators (PGRs) on sod tolerance to stress during storage by examining the relationship between preharvest photochemical efficiency (PE) and transplant rooting of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KBG) sod. The PGRs, including propiconazole (propiconazole [1-(2-(2,4-dichloropheny)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2yl) methyl-1-H-1,2,4-triazole]; PPC), and seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum Jol.) extract (SWE) plus humic acid (93% a.i.; HA), were applied alone, or in combination, to the KBG 2 wk before harvest in 1999 and 2000. Photochemical efficiency was measured immediately before harvest. The harvested sod was subjected to high temperature stress (37 degrees C) for 72 or 96 h. The heated sod was replanted in the field and transplant visual turf injury and rooting were determined. Foliar application of SWE at 0.5 kg ha(-1) plus HA at 1.50 kg ha(-1), PPC at 0.44 kg ha(-1) alone, or a combination of SWE + HA with 0.22 kg ha(-1) PPC, enhanced PE of preharvest sod in both years. Extension of heat duration from 72 to 96 h caused significantly more injury to the sod in 1999. All PGR treatment combinations reduced visual turf injury. On average in 1999 and 2000, SWE + HA, PPC, and SWE + HA + PPC enhanced transplant rooting by 21.8, 34.7, and 44.2%, respectively. Regression analysis indicated that KBG with higher preharvest PE suffered less turf injury and produced greater rooting after transplantation. The data suggest that foliar application of SWE + HA, PPC alone, or in a combination, may improve shelf life and transplant rooting of KBG sod.
Cessation of immunosuppressive therapy after successful transplantation: A national survey

Cessation of immunosuppressive therapy after successful transplantation: A national survey. A retrospective survey of 165 United States renal transplant units identified 48 patients who had discontinued all immunosuppressive therapy (IT). Sixteen had received cadaveric and 32 had received living-related grafts. The interval from transplantation to cessation of medication was similar in both groups and did not correlate with the outcome. Of 16 cadaveric grafts, 9 failed ("delta" serum creatinine concentration of ≥ 5 mg/dl) within a mean of 59 days; 3 patients maintained stable renal function for 244, 395, and 425 days, respectively. Of the 32 related grafts, 12 failed within a mean of 234 days. Of the 20 related grafts that did not fail, 5 had stable function for ≥ 1 year and 6 for ≥ 3 years after cessation of IT. Our data demonstrate that at no point after transplantation is it prudent to stop all IT barring serious drug toxicity. Also, in patients who stop IT surreptitiously and in whom renal function remains normal, reinstitution of therapy is indicated within 1 year and is advisable as long as 3 years after cessation; those few patients who do well without IT for > 3 years may not need further treatment. Arret du traitement immunosuppresseur apres une transplantation reussie: Evaluation nationale. Une evaluation retrospective conduite dans 165 centres de transplantation aux Etats Unis a decouvert que 48 malades ont arrete tout traitement immunosuppresseur (IT). Seize avaient recu des reins de cadavres et 32 des reins de donneurs vivants apparentes. L'intervalle entre la transplantation et l'arret du traitement a ete semblable dans les deux groupes et n'a pas ete correle a l'evolution. Parmi les 16 reins de cadavres, 9 sont devenus insuffisants ("delta" de creatininemie ≥ 5 mg/dl) au terme moyen de 59 jours; 3 malades ont eu une fonction renale stable pendant 244, 395, et 425 jours, respectivement. Parmi les 32 reins de donneurs vivants, 12 sont devenus insuffisants apres un delai moyen de 234 jours. Des 20 reins de donneurs, 5 apparentes qui n'ont pas subi d'insuffisance renale avaient une fonction stable apres des delais ≥ 1 an et ≥ 3 ans. Nos resultats montrent qu'il n'est pas prudent, apres une transplantation, d'arreter tout traitement IT, excepte en cas de toxicite medicamenteuse importante. De plus, chez les malades qui ont arrete le traitement clandestinement et chez lesquels la fonction renale est normale, la reprise de traitement est indiquee au cours de la premiere annee et souhaitable jusqu'a 3 ans apres l'arret. Il est possible que les malades qui vont bien sans IT depuis plus de 3 ans n'aient pas besoin d'une reprise de la therapeutique.
ELASTO-PLASTIC CONSTITUTIVE MODELING OF PLAIN CONCRETE AND AN OPTIMIZATION PROCEDURE FOR PARAMETER EVALUATION

An elasto-plastic constitutive model is developed to characterize the stress-strain behavior of plain concrete. The model utilizes a single yield surface to describe both yielding and failure behavior. An innovative approach is adopted to model volumetric behavior in compressive and dilative regimes. The transition between compression and dilation is identified by the point on the yield surface where the gradient tensor is deviatoric. The proposed approach provides a better control in predicting volumetric behavior of concrete. In addition, the model describes effectively other factors such as hardening, stress path dependence, and variation of shear strength with orientation of stress paths on the octahedral plane. Another unique feature of this model is its ability to account for the variation of the shape of the yield surface on the octahedral plane with confining pressure. An optimization procedure is developed to evaluate the material constants associated with the model. Stress-strain and volumetric responses for a number of tests are predicted and compared with experimental data. Overall, a good agreement between predictions and observations is obtained. (Author/TRRL)
Aerosol Capture in Granular Beds in the Impaction Dominated Regime

Single grain capture efficiencies η for high speed gas flow through clean granular beds are reported. The aerosol particles range in diameter Dp from about 0.6 to 4.5 μm; both liquid (dioctyl phthalate) and solid (potassium biphthalate) aerosol particles were used. The grains used were spheres of diameter D G equal to 2 or 4 mm and pea gravel with an effective diameter of 4 mm. The superficial gas velocity U was varied from about 0.1 to 6 m/sec. Impaction is the dominant capture mechanism for these conditions. Consequently, the Stokes number Stk = p p D p2C p U/18μD G is an important dimensionless group for correlation of the data. Because the gas flow field depends on the fraction solids αG in the bed and the grain Reynolds number Re = iD G U/μ, the single grain capture efficiency η also must depend on these two dimensionless groups. For conditions of greatest practical interest, the Stokes number is much less than unity. Theoretical considerations based on creeping flow and boundary layer flow theory su...
Fast and accurate algorithm for electromagnetic scattering from 1-D dielectric ocean surfaces

A fast and accurate multigrid (MG) algorithm is presented for the direct method-of-moments (MoM) numerical simulation of radar scattering from large-scale one-dimensional (1-D) dielectric randomly rough surfaces. The proposed MG algorithm combines the desirable features of the generalized conjugate residual preconditioned iterative procedure and a parallel implementation of the spectral acceleration scheme proposed by Chou and Johnson. In addition, the paper proposes effective preconditioning schemes designed to further enhance the numerical efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The accelerated MG algorithm was benchmarked against the exact MG solution for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm facilitates scattering calculations from electrically large surfaces. Hence, the algorithm was used to assess the performance of an approximate physical-optics scattering model used for ocean forward scattering simulations at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). The validations are performed at X-band and W-band frequencies
Differential response: A critical examination of a secondary prevention model

Abstract Whether and when to intervene and what services to offer families in crisis are critical questions in the field of child welfare. Policy makers and administrators struggle with how to target services appropriately to ensure provision to families at greatest risk while avoiding endangerment through miscalculation. This paper examines the differential (also known as alternative) response paradigm of child welfare services under which families at moderate to high risk for child maltreatment are offered preventative, strengths-based services. The Another Road to Safety Program, an example of a differential response program utilizing home visiting as a service delivery mechanism, is critically assessed to determine support for program assumptions in the child welfare literature base. The types of intervention strategies examined include voluntary service provision, home visitation, paraprofessional service delivery, and targeting of basic and concrete needs.
Equation of state of nucleon matter and neutron star structure

Properties of dense nucleon matter and the structure of neutron stars are studied using variational chain summation methods and the new Argonne ${v}_{18}$ two-nucleon interaction, which provides an excellent fit to all of the nucleon-nucleon scattering data in the Nijmegen database. The neutron star gravitational mass limit obtained with this interaction is 1.67${M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}.$ Boost corrections to the two-nucleon interaction, which give the leading relativistic effect of order ${(v/c)}^{2},$ as well as three-nucleon interactions, are also included in the nuclear Hamiltonian. Their successive addition increases the mass limit to 1.80 and 2.20 ${M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}.$ Hamiltonians including a three-nucleon interaction predict a transition in neutron star matter to a phase with neutral pion condensation at a baryon number density of $\ensuremath{\sim}0.2 {\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}.$ Neutron stars predicted by these Hamiltonians have a layer with a thickness on the order of tens of meters, over which the density changes rapidly from that of the normal to the condensed phase. The material in this thin layer is a mixture of the two phases. We also investigate the possibility of dense nucleon matter having an admixture of quark matter, described using the bag model equation of state. Neutron stars of 1.4${M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ do not appear to have quark matter admixtures in their cores. However, the heaviest stars are predicted to have cores consisting of a quark and nucleon matter mixture. These admixtures reduce the maximum mass of neutron stars from 2.20 to 2.02 (1.91) ${M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ for bag constant $B=200 (122) {\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{f}\mathrm{m}}^{3}.$ Stars with pure quark matter in their cores are found to be unstable. We also consider the possibility that matter is maximally incompressible above an assumed density, and show that realistic models of nuclear forces limit the maximum mass of neutron stars to be below 2.5${M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}.$ The effects of the phase transitions on the composition of neutron star matter and its adiabatic index $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ are discussed.
What does the term 'selected' mean?

This paper deals with an assumption of the Shannon theory, notably we analyze the possibility of counting n 'selected' items which is prerequisite to the entropy calculus. We start from the notion, which Shannon provides verbally, we translate it into a formal definition and calculate three cases regarding both analog and digital signals. In such a way we aim at sharpening the applications up and expanding the theoretical coverage of Shannon's masterpiece over the information and communication technology
The Fall of New Netherland and Seventeenth-Century Anglo-American Imperial Formation, 1654–1676

Abstract The English takeover of the Dutch colony of New Netherland in 1664 illustrates the enduring centrality of colonial agendas in the political culture of the seventeenth-century English Empire but also provided an occasion by which the metropolitan government and its perspective ironically assumed greater weight in colonial-imperial relations.
PhysioNet 2010 Challenge: A robust multi-channel adaptive filtering approach to the estimation of physiological recordings

The 2010 PhysioNet Challenge was to predict the last few seconds of a physiological waveform given its previous history and M-1 different concurrent physiological recordings. A robust approach was implemented by using a bank of adaptive filters to predict the desired channel. In all, M channels (the M-1 original signals, and 1 signal derived from the previous history of the target signal) were used to estimate the missing data. For each channel, a Gradient Adaptive Lattice Laguerre filter (GALL) was trained to estimate the desired channel. The GALL filter was chosen because of its fast convergence, stability, and ability to model a long response using relatively few parameters. The prediction of each of the channels (the output of each of the GALL filters) was then linearly combined using time-varying weights determined through a Kalman filter. This approach is extensible to recordings with any number of signals, other types of signals, and other problem domains. The code for the algorithm is freely available at PhysioNet under the GPL.
Investigating the Role of Innovation Attributes in the Adoption, Rejection, and Discontinued Use of Open Source Software for Development

Drawing on technology adoption research, particularly diffusion of innovations, this article analyzes organizational adoption decisions of a new ICT by organizations in Nairobi, Kenya. Through a multi-case study and interviews with potential adopters, this research assesses the influence of perceived innovation attributes on adoption decisions regarding the Ushahidi Platform, a tool designed for collecting, aggregating, and mapping information. Findings suggest that perceptions of trialability and observability, two attributes that have been found to be less predictive in past research, were influential in the decision process. Additionally, perceived flexibility is added to the list of attributes that should be considered, particularly for analyzing the adoption of free and open source technology.
Multivariate Distributions with Specified Marginals: Applications to Wind Engineering

Bounds on and approximations of the distribution of a non-Gaussian vector X specified partially by the marginal distributions Fi of its coordinates Xi or the marginal distributions Fi and some information on the correlation structure of X are developed. These results are used to: (1) bound and approximate the distribution of the largest coordinate of X , that is, the random variable Y= maxi { Xi } ; and (2) evaluate current practice in wind engineering based on models for directional and directionless wind speeds (that is, yearly maximum wind speeds recorded in several directions and irrespective of direction) that are postulated independently of each other. It is shown that, although current directional and directionless wind speed models are inconsistent with probability theory, they can deliver similar design wind speeds if calibrated to very long wind speed records but their predictions can differ significantly if based on typically available records.
Modification of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase SH2 Domain Binding Properties by Abl- or Lck-mediated Tyrosine Phosphorylation at Tyr-688

In cells expressing the oncogenic Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, the regulatory p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. We report that this phosphorylation event is readily catalyzed by the Abl and Lck protein-tyrosine kinases in vitro, by Bcr-Abl or a catalytically activated Lck-Y505F in co-transfected COS cells, and by endogenous kinases in transfected Jurkat T cells upon triggering of their T cell antigen receptor. Using these systems, we have mapped a major phosphorylation site to Tyr-688 in the C-terminal SH2 domain of p85. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 in vitro or in vivo was not associated with detectable change in the enzymatic activity of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase heterodimer, but correlated with a strong reduction in the binding of some, but not all, phosphoproteins to the SH2 domains of p85. This provides an additional candidate to the list of SH2 domains regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation and may explain why association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with some cellular ligands is transient or of lower stoichiometry than anticipated.
Influenza virus infection elicits protective antibodies and T cells specific for host cell antigens also expressed as tumor associated antigens: a new view of cancer immunosurveillance

Most tumor-associated antigens (TAA) are self-molecules that are abnormally expressed in cancer cells and become targets of antitumor immune responses. Antibodies and T cells specific for some TAAs have been found in healthy individuals and are associated with lowered lifetime risk for developing cancer. Lower risk for cancer has also been associated with a history of febrile viral diseases. We hypothesized that virus infections could lead to transient expression of abnormal forms of self-molecules, some of which are TAAs; facilitated by the adjuvant effects of infection and inflammation, these molecules could elicit specific antibodies, T cells, and lasting immune memory simultaneously with immunity against viral antigens. Such infection-induced immune memory for TAA would be expected to provide life-long immune surveillance of cancer. Using influenza virus infection in mice as a model system, we tested this hypothesis and demonstrated that influenza-experienced mice control 3LL mouse lung tumor challenge better than infection-naive control mice. Using 2D-difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we identified numerous molecules, some of which are known TAAs, on the 3LL tumor cells recognized by antibodies elicited by two successive influenza infections. We studied in detail immune responses against glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), histone H4, HSP90, malate dehydrogenase 2, and annexin A2, all of which were overexpressed in influenza-infected lungs and in tumor cells. Finally, we show that immune responses generated through vaccination against peptides derived from these antigens correlated with improved tumor control.
Stratigraphy and Paleogeography of Mabou Group and Related Middle Carboniferous Facies, Nova Scotia, Canada

Marine and nonmarine facies in Nova Scotia, Canada, of Visean through Westphalian A (middle Carboniferous) age are closely related to a tectonic framework that consists of a narrow region of highly mobile blocks surrounded by a broad region of stable blocks. Defining and mapping new lithogenetic units and a more precise method of time control (fossil microspores) supports this hypothesis. Middle Carboniferous units of previous workers, the Windsor, Canso, and Riversdale “groups,” are time-stratigraphic and hence inadequate for defining facies. New lithogenetic units of group rank were defined in a previous report (Belt, 1964) to include strata represented by those time-stratigraphic units. The new units are termed the Windsor Group (restricted Windsor “group”), the Mabou Group (previously a formation), and the Coarse Fluvial Facies (an informal term). Existing formations have, wherever possible, been regrouped into these new units. A new formation (Emery Brook Formation) and a tongue (Glengarry tongue of the Pomquet Formation) are herein proposed. Windsor, Canso, and Riversdale time-stratigraphic units are redefined as Windsorian, Cansoan and Riversdalian Stages. The term Mabou Group is applied to fine-grained “red” and “gray” fluvial and lacustrine strata that succeed the widespread marine and evaporite deposits of the Windsor Group. The Mabou facies represent basin-fill sediments that underlie and also are laterally equivalent to coarse marginal deposits of the Coarse Fluvial Facies. The major zone of mobility during middle Carboniferous time, the Fundy Basin, was irregular in shape and not entirely a region of subsidence. The Caledonia and Cobequid arches, narrow upthrown blocks within the basin, supplied much of the sediment. The New Brunswick and Meguma platforms, bordering the Fundy Basin on the northwest and south, respectively, do not represent a major source of sediment, although much sediment moved across them from outside the Maritime region. The platforms are distinguished from the basins by a thin veneer of relatively undeformed strata; they alternated between gentle uplift and gentle subsidence. In contrast, the subsiding portions of the Fundy Basin received up to 20,000 feet of middle Carboniferous sediment that was subsequently highly folded and faulted and locally mildly metamorphosed. The margin of the Fundy Basin is interpreted as a region of high-angle faults because the thickness of Carboniferous sediment decreases abruptly from the basin onto the platform, Mabou facies grade laterally from “gray” (lacustrine) to “red” (fluvial) facies toward the margin of the basin, and coarse alluvial fans were deposited on the basin side of long, sinuous faults. The margin is believed to parallel the area of long faults that today separate the area of pre-Carboniferous platform, with its thin, slightly deformed Carboniferous cover, from the area of the basin, with its thick, highly deformed Carboniferous strata.
Combined Endometrial Ablation and Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Use in Women With Dysmenorrhea and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Novel Approach for Challenging Cases.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and impact of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on treatment failure after endometrial ablation (EA) in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and dysmenorrhea at 4 years. DESIGN: Cohort study (Canadian Task Force II-2). SETTING: An academic institution in the upper Midwest. PATIENTS: All women with HMB and dysmenorrhea who underwent EA with combined placement of LNG-IUS (EA/LNG-IUS cohort 23 women) after 2005 and an historic reference group from women who had EA alone (EA cohort 65 women) from 1998 through the end of 2005. INTERVENTION: Radiofrequency EA thermal balloon ablation and LNG-IUS. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was treatment failure defined as persistent pain bleeding and hysterectomy after EA at 4 years. The combined treatment failure outcome was documented in 2 patients (8.7%) in the EA/LNG-IUS group and 19 patients (29.2%) in the EA group with an unadjusted OR of .23 (95% CI .05-1.08). After adjusting for known risk factors of failure the adjusted OR was .19 (95% CI .26-.88). None of the women who underwent EA/LNG-IUS had hysterectomy for treatment failure compared with 16 (24%) in the EA group (p = .009); postablation pelvic pain was documented in 1 woman (4.3%) in the EA/LNG-IUS group compared with 8 women (12.3%) in the EA group (p = .24). One woman in the EA/LNG-IUS group (4.3%) presented with persistent bleeding compared with 15 (23.1%) in the EA group (p = .059). Office removal of the intrauterine device was performed in 4 women with no complications. CONCLUSION: LNG-IUS insertion at the time of EA is feasible and can provide added benefit after EA in women with dysmenorrhea and HMB. Copyright (c) 2015 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Irreconcilable Differences? Education Vouchers and the Suburban Response

This article discusses the limited use of education vouchers in an era of unprecedented growth in school choice. It is divided into two parts: first, a description of the policy, political, and legal barriers that may limit the expansion of large-scale voucher programs is presented. Discussion then shifts to the efforts of voucher advocates to build support among historically marginalized populations frustrated with the performance of public schools and open to limited forms of private school choice. The authors consider the consequences of these strategies and suggest that the very voucher programs that appeal to disadvantaged families may prove most offensive to middleclass and suburban voters who vigorously object to policies that undermine local authority and redistribute local resources. Specifically, vouchers have the potential to erase municipal boundaries, dissolve neighborhood ties, lower housing prices, and upset student enrollments.
The Alternative Activation Pathway and Complement Component C3 Are Critical for a Protective Immune Response against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Murine Model of Pneumonia

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, and approximately 80% of patients with cystic fibrosis are infected with this bacterium. To investigate the overall role of complement and the complement activation pathways in the host defense against P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection, we challenged C3-, C4-, and factor B-deficient mice with P. aeruginosa via intranasal inoculation. In these studies, C3−/− mice had a higher mortality rate than C3+/+ mice. Factor B−/− mice, but not C4−/− mice, infected with P. aeruginosa had a mortality rate similar to that of C3−/− mice, indicating that in this model the alternative pathway of complement activation is required for the host defense against Pseudomonas infection. C3−/− mice had 6- to 7-fold more bacteria in the lungs and 48-fold more bacteria in the blood than did C3+/+ mice at 24 h postinfection. In vitro, phagocytic cells from C3+/+ or C3−/− mice exhibited a decreased ability to bind and/or ingest P. aeruginosa in the presence of C3-deficient serum compared to phagocytic cells in the presence of serum with sufficient C3. C3−/− mice displayed a significant increase in neutrophils in the lungs and had higher levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, KC, and MIP-2 in the lungs at 24 h postinfection than did C3+/+ mice. Collectively, these results indicate that complement activation by the alternative pathway is critical for the survival of mice infected with P. aeruginosa and that the protection provided by complement is at least in part due to C3-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa.
Violation of cp invariance in the dyon model

The $\mathrm{CP}$-violation mechanism proposed by Schwinger in the dyon model is discussed. It is pointed out that, once dual-charged particles are introduced, we have two kinds of smallest units of electric charge for magnetically neutral particles: one for purely electrically charged particles, the other for the magnetically neutral composites of the dyons. These two units, which, a priori, could be different, are assumed to be the charges carried by the lectron and the proton, respectively. Schwinger's mechanism can then be understood as a self-consistent condition that ensures the equality of these two units of electric charge. The analogy between this mechanism and that proposed by Bernstein, Feinberg, and Lee is discussed. The case of neutral-$K$ decay is briefly analyzed. The magnitude of the $\mathrm{CP}$-violation parameter in different processes is estimated.
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Purpose of reviewThis review summarizes the recent studies assessing patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and developments in treatment.Recent findingsThe misdiagnosis of nonepileptic seizure is costly to patients, the healthcare system, and to society. Patients with nonepileptic seizures
A Mathematical Comparison of Point Detectors

Selecting salient points from two or more images for computing correspondences is a fundamental problem in image analysis. Three methods originally proposed by Harris et al. in [A combined corner and edge detector], by Noble et al. in [Descriptions of image surfaces] and by Shi et al. in [Good features to track] proved to be quite effective and robust and have been widely used by the computer vision community. The goal of this paper is to analyze these point detectors starting from the algebraic and numerical properties of the image auto-correlation matrix. To accomplish this task we will first introduce a "natural" constraint that needs to be satisfied by any point detector based on the auto-correlation matrix. Then, by casting the point detection problem in a mathematical framework based on condition theory [A condition number for point matching with application to registration and post-registration error estimation], we will show that under certain hypothesis the point detectors are equivalent modulo the choice of a specific matrix norm. The results presented in this paper will provide a novel unifying description for the most commonly used point detection algorithms.
Time optimal robotic manipulator motions and work places for point to point tasks

High productivity requires that manipulators perform complex tasks quickly. Recently, optimal control algorithms have been developed which enable manipulators to move quickly, but only for simple motions. A method is presented here which combines simple time optimal motions in an optimal manner to yield the minimum time motions for an important class of complex manipulator tasks composed of point to point moves, such as assembly, electronic component insertion and spot welding. This method can also be used to design manipulator actions and work places so that tasks can be completed in minimum time. The method has been implemented in a CAD software package. Examples are presented which show the methods effectiveness.
RAM: a Petri net based expert system with memory

A new method of expert systems (ES) based on Petri nets, called RAM, is presented. This is the first such system which can memorize the truth value of the proposition processed. Using RAM: 1) the representation of knowledge processing system using conventional Petri net can be developed; 2) both forward- and backward-chaining can be modeled; 3) the truth value of the same proposition is uniquely stored and hence only single copy of propositions is needed; 4) object oriented concept is used; 5) sufficient and correct representations of both Horn- and non-Horn-clauses with negations appearing in both the head and body of any production rule can be achieved; 6) theorem proving by refutation can be performed; 7) property verification for correctness, consistency, and completeness with polynomial complexity can be achieved; 8) activation token is not needed; 9) neither Petri-like net nor colored Petri net is necessary for the ES; 10) the condition under which the representation of ES can be simplified to a simpler ordinary Petri net is studied; and 11) dynamic simulation of the execution of ES can be conducted.
Comparative growth responses of perennial forage legumes in hill‐land ultisols and their relationship to soil acidity‐related factors

Abstract As soils of humid, temperate hill‐lands are typically highly weathered, mineral, and acidic, forage legumes for these conditions need to be evaluated, and limiting soil acidity‐related factors determined. Two ultisol topsoils (0–15 cm) from Appalachian hill‐lands of the Lily series (Typic Hapludults) were utilized 1n a growth chamber experiment. Both soils were of similar pH and low 1n fertility but different in % base saturation due to different management histories (abandoned versus poorly‐managed pasture). Treatments to provide a range of soil pH values (aluminum, nil, calcium) were applied to ascertain their effect on various growth response traits of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), big flower vetch (Vicia grandiflora Scop.), and flatpea (Lathyrus sylvestris L.). Averaging over all soils and treatments, shoot production Increased 1n the order‐alfalfa < red clover, white clover, tre...
Probabilistic Decision Making for the Bulk Power System Optimal Topology Control

Power system topology control through transmission line switching for economic gains and reliability benefits has been recently considered in day to day operations. This paper introduces a probabilistic formulation for a more efficient application of topology control strategies in real world scenarios with anticipated increase in the presence of highly variable renewable generation and uncertain loads. Such uncertainties are modeled via the point estimation method embedded into the dc optimal power flow-based formulations for optimal switching solutions. Hourly and daily advantages of the proposed probabilistic framework, compared with the conventional operations and deterministic formulations, are discussed. As the anticipated economic gains would increase through sequential implementation of several switching actions, a new probabilistic decision making approach to identify the optimal number of switching actions at each hour is also proposed. This decision support tool uses the probabilistic reliability cost/value analytics in which not only the financial benefits, but also the costs of reliability risks, are taken into account. The approach is tested through various scenarios on the modified IEEE 118-bus test system, with and without renewables integration, and the results revealed its applicability and efficiency.
Stochastic Multistage Coplanning of Transmission Expansion and Energy Storage

Transmission expansion and energy storage increase the flexibility of power systems and, hence, their ability to deal with uncertainty. Transmission lines have a longer lifetime and a more predictable performance than energy storage, but they require a very large initial investment. While battery energy storage systems (BESS) can be built faster and their capacity can be increased gradually, their useful life is shorter because their energy capacity degrades with time and each charge and discharge cycle. Additional factors, such as the expected profiles of load and renewable generation significantly affect planning decisions. This paper proposes a stochastic, multistage, coplanning model of transmission expansion, and BESS that considers both the delays in transmission expansion and the degradation in storage capacity under different renewable generation and load increase scenarios. The proposed model is tested using a modified version of the IEEE-RTS. Sensitivity analyses are performed to assess how factors such as the planning method, the storage chemistry characteristics, the current transmission capacity, and the uncertainty on future renewable generation and load profiles affect the investment decisions.
Cognition as Higher-Order Regulation

The chapter discusses Antonio Damasio’s understanding of higher-level neurological and psychological functions in Self Comes to Mind (2010) and argues that the distinction he posits between regulatory (homeostatic) physiological structures and non-regulatory higher-level structures such as drives, motivations (and, ultimately, consciousness) presents philosophical and technical problems. The paper suggests that a purely regulatory understanding of drives and motivations (and, consequently, of cognition as well) as higher-order regulations could provide a unified theoretical framework capable of overcoming the old split between cognition and homeostasis that keeps resurfacing, under different guises, in the technical as well as in the non-technical understandings of consciousness and associated concepts.
Who Are the “Journalism Kids?” Academic Predictors of Journalism Participation in Secondary Schools

Prior scholastic journalism research did not adequately address the possibility that journalism students perform better academically because of their backgrounds and inherent abilities. Using Educa...
The Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis and Neuroendocrine Responses to Stress

Publisher Summary External or internal stressful stimuli threatening homeostasis induce coordinated responses, including behavioral, autonomic nervous system and endocrine changes, aimed at restoring the internal equilibrium. Activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis involves stimulation of a specific group of neurons located in the dorsomedial parvocellular subdivision of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. CRH exerts its effects in the pituitary corticotrope and other target cells by binding toplasmamembrane receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase via guanyl nucleotide binding protein. The distribution of CRH receptors in the brain is consistent with the pivotal role of CRH as a mediator of the integral stress responses. Diencephalic structures expressing abundant CRHR1 include the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, dorsolateral thalamic nuclei, supramammillary nuclei, anterior paraventricular thalamic nuclei and arcuate nucleus. Acute stress causes rapid activation of parvocellular CRH neurons as shown by the rapid increases in c-fos and CRH primary transcripts, the latter indicating transcriptional activation of the CRH gene.
Spatial variation of deep diving odontocetes’ occurrence around a canyon region in the Ligurian Sea as measured with acoustic techniques

Abstract Understanding the distribution of animals is of paramount importance for management and conservation, especially for species that are impacted by anthropogenic threats. In the case of marine mammals there has been a growing concern about the impact of human-made noise, in particular for beaked whales and other deep diving odontocetes. Foraging (measured via echolocation clicks at depth) was studied for Cuvier’s beaked whale ( Ziphius cavirostris ), sperm whale ( Physeter macrocephalus ), long-finned pilot whales ( Globicephala melas ) and Risso’s dolphin ( Grampus griseus ) using three passive acoustics recorders moored to the bottom of the ocean in a canyon area in the Ligurian Sea between July and December 2011. A Generalized Linear Model was used to test whether foraging was influenced by location and day of the year, including the possibility of interactions between predictors. Contrary to previous studies conducted by visual surveys in this area, all species were detected at all locations, suggesting habitat overlapping. However, significant differences were found in the occurrence of each species at different locations. Beaked and sperm whales foraged significantly more in the northern and western locations, while long-finned pilot whales and Risso’s dolphins hunted more in the northern and eastern location.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the shear behavior of steel-plate composite (SC) beams without shear reinforcement

Abstract Experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to evaluate the out-of-plane shear behavior of steel-plate composite (SC) beams without shear reinforcement. The parameters considered in the experimental investigations were the section depth, steel faceplate (longitudinal) reinforcement ratio, shear span-to-depth ratio and shear connector (stud anchor) spacing. The experimental results are presented along with discussions of flexural cracking, crack progression, shear crack formation, shear force-displacement behavior, shear force-strain measurements and the final failure mode. The experimental results indicate that section depth has a slight influence on the shear cracking behavior, and stud anchor spacing has a significant influence on the overall failure mode. The shear strength of SC beams increased with larger longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and decreased with larger shear span-to-depth ratio. The lower bound out-of-plane shear strength occurred for SC beams with span-to-depth ratios greater than 3.0. The experimental results compared conservatively with the nominal out-of-plane shear strengths calculated using equations in ACI 349M and Eurocode 2 code provisions for reinforced concrete beams, and equations in AISC N690-12s1 code provisions for steel-plate composite beams. Detailed 3D nonlinear inelastic finite element (NIFE) models were developed and analyzed to gain additional insight into the out-of-plane behavior and failure of the tested specimens. The models were benchmarked by comparing numerical predictions with experimental results and observations. The benchmarked models are recommended for conducting numerical parametric studies, and expanding the knowledge base.
Treatment of Concomitant OAB and BPH

The etiology of men’s lower urinary tract storage and voiding symptoms involves a contribution from both detrusor and outlet. As such, treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) ± benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) with standard alpha-adrenergic blockade and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy may leave a population of men with persistent and bothersome urinary storage symptoms. An abundance of adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled trials indicate that the use of antimuscarinics and beta-3 adrenergic agonists, either alone or in combination with standard BPE/BPO therapy, leads to improvement in storage symptoms. At the same time, metrics associated with urinary emptying, such as maximum flow rate, post-void residual urinary volume, and incidence of treatment-associated urinary retention, appear to be stable and not significantly impacted by the addition of antimuscarinics.