cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perch selection by male dragonflies (Odonata, Anisoptera) related to competitive ability and species composition

PERCH SELECTION IN MALE DRAGONFLIES (ODONATA, ANISOPTERA) RELATED TO COMPETITIVE ABILITY AND SPECIES COMPOSITION Jessica L. Beard Old Dominion University, 2015 Director: Dr. Deborah Waller Males of many species of dragonflies (Odonata, Anisoptera) establish territories in aquatic habitats where they compete with other males for access to food and females. Territorial males typically perch on emergent vegetation and chase rival males who intrude into their territories. This dissertation research examined the role of male size in perch height selection, position on the perch, and competitive ability. Four hypotheses were tested: 1) Dragonfly species would vary by size and that territorial species would show sexual size dimorphism (SSD), 2) Perch height selection would be related to dragonfly size, 3) Position on the perch would be related to male size, with larger males selecting perch tops and smaller inferior competitors choosing the sides of perches, and 4) Intraspecific competition would be more important than interspecific competition. Research was conducted at four lakes in southeastern Virginia from 2011-2014. For size measurements, male and female dragonflies were captured and measured for total body length, abdomen length, cerci length, forewing length and width, hindwing length and width and fresh mass. For perching experiments, alternating short (30cm above waterline) and tall (90cm above waterline) bamboo perches were placed in two rows, 0.5m and 2.0m from the shore. Any dragonflies that alighted on perches were recorded for species, gender, perch position and length of occupancy. Any interactions with conspecific or heterospecific dragonflies were recorded. Results showed that dragonfly males varied significantly among species in all parameters measured, and SSD was found for some parameters for some of the species. In particular, females of several species had greater forewing and hindwing widths than males, perhaps related to selection for energy conservation in females. There was no association between dragonfly size and perch height selection. Four species frequently perched on the sides rather than the tops of
Microbial syntrophy: Ecosystem-level biochemical cooperation

Syntrophy, tightly coupled mutualistic interactions between microorganisms, proves essential for global carbon cycling in anaerobic environments. The term syntrophy was first used to describe the exchange of sulfur compounds between phototrophic, green-sulfur bacteria and chemotrophic, sulfur-reducing bacteria.
SELECTION ON AMYLASE ALLOZYMES IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: SELECTION EXPERIMENTS USING SEVERAL INDEPENDENTLY DERIVED PAIRS OF CHROMOSOMES.

One approach to the study of allozyme polymorphisms in natural populations is to relate changes in the selection coefficients of different alleles at a specific enzyme locus to environmental variables. The experiments of Dejong et al. (1972) and of Dejong and Scharloo (1976) indicate that electrophoretic variants of the amylase enzyme in Drosophila melanogaster affect the fitness of individuals and that this effect is dependent on the carbohydrate source in the food. A controlled selection experiment by Hickey (1977) showed a predictable response of gene frequencies in experimental populations grown on different food media. The amylase variant which has the higher enzyme activity is at a selective disadvantage when the dietary carbohydrate source is in the form of simple sugars. However, the relative selective value of this variant is enhanced when the dietary sugars are replaced by starch. These results suggest that the amylase system may be very useful in demonstrating the action of selection at a specific enzyme locus. The following set of experiments is designed to confirm the finding of selective changes in gene frequency. Moreover, I hoped to eliminate the effects of linked loci by using several independently-derived high-activity and low-activity amylase variants, and especially by using those with different electrophoretic mobilities.
Characterization of Epitaxial Fe on GaAs(110) by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Iron on GaAs(110) comprises an interesting system not only due to small lattice mismatch, 1.4%, but also because of the magnetic properties of the overlayer. In the present work, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to investigate bcc Fe films in the 0.1 A to 20 A thickness range, grown at 300 K and 450 K substrate temperatures. STM images show Volmer-Weber growth with the formation of 3-D Fe islands 20–30 A in diameter for 0.1–1 A deposition at 300 K, increasing to 40–50 A for thicker films. Iron island sizes at low coverage and thin film roughness at higher coverages both show significant dependence upon growth temperature.
Transition Metal Catalyst-Free and Radical Initiator-Free Carbonylation of Aryl Iodides

Transition metal catalyst-free and radical initiator-free carbonylation processes for producing aryl esters, carboxylic acids, or carboxylic acid anhydrides in excellent yields were developed. Aryl iodides (Ar-I) react with CO and alkali metal aryloxides (Ar1-OM: M = alkali metal), water and bases, or alkali metal salts of aromatic carboxylic acids (Ar-COOM) for 2 h to produce the corresponding aryl esters (Ar-COOAr1), carboxylic acids (Ar-COOH), or carboxylic acid anhydrides [(Ar-CO)2O] almost quantitatively. These processes use only heating of 250–270 °C and do not require any transition metal catalysts or any radical initiators and additives (e.g., t-BuOK, and 1,10-phenanthroline), which are indispensable in the hitherto carbonylation processes. Because of the high yields and no use of any reagents other than the reactants, the desired products can be easily obtained by a simple separation step (e.g., filtration) of the by-produced alkali metal iodides (MI). These reactions probably proceed via radical...
Ammonium Polyphosphate as a Source of Phosphorus and Nonprotein Nitrogen for Monogastrics

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was substituted for 0, 50 and 100% of the P supplied by defluorinated rock phosphate (DRP) in corn-soybean meal diets for growing rats and growing-finishing (G-F) pigs. The diets were formulated to contain 10% protein, .75% Ca and .60% P. Two-thirds of the P in the control diet was supplied by DRP. Replacement of 50 or 100% of the DRP with APP increased the dietary N by 7.25 and 14.5%, respectively. To evaluate nonprotein N (NPN) utilization, we used ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) to provide a level of N equivalent to that supplied by APP when it replaced 100% of the P supplied by DRP. These four treatments were repeated with supplementation of limiting amino acids (L-lysine, L-tryptophan and DL-methionine. Daily feed intake, rate of gain and feed:gain (F:G) of rats and G-F pigs were not influenced (P greater than .05) by the substitution of APP for DRP as a P source in corn-soybean meal diets with or without supplemental amino acids. F:G was improved (P less than .05) by the addition of limiting amino acids to diets for pigs, and a similar trend occurred in rats. The addition of NH4Cl to the 10% protein diets as a source of NPN resulted in no observable benefit for growing rats or G-F pigs. Percentages of ham and loin, percentages of bone ash and P content of the bone ash in pigs were not influenced by the dietary treatments.
Optimal Timing of Urinary Catheter Removal After Thoracic Operations: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background There are very few randomized trials confirming the belief that prolonged urinary catheterization increases urinary tract infections, and none of these have included a comparative analysis of patients with an epidural catheter in place. The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to determine if removal of the urinary catheter within 48 hours after a thoracic operation, as required by the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) Measure 9, leads to increases in urinary tract reintervention and lower rates of urinary tract infections. Methods From February 2012 to August 2014, patients undergoing a general thoracic surgical procedure in whom an epidural catheter was placed for analgesia were eligible for inclusion in the trial. Patients were randomized to urinary catheter removal within 48 hours of the operation completion or 6 hours after epidural catheter removal. Results The study enrolled 374 patients, 217 men (58%) and 157 women (42%). The 247 eligible and evaluated patients, 141 (57.1%) men and 106 (42.9%) women, were a median age of 61.5 years (range, 21 to 87 years). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the preoperative or operative categories between the two groups. Median length of stay was 5 days (range, 2 to 42 days) for all patients, and there was no difference between the two groups. Postoperatively, 19 patients (7.7%) required urinary catheter reinsertion after it was removed. A significantly greater number of patients in the early removal group required reinsertion of the urinary catheter (15 [12.4%] vs 4 [3.2%]); p = 0.0065). Patients whose urinary catheter was removed within 48 hours of the operation had a much higher rate of bladder scans postoperatively (59.5% [n = 72]) and required more in-and-out catheterization than those whose urinary catheter was removed 6 hours after the epidural analgesia was discontinued (31.0% [n = 39]; p Conclusions In a randomized control trial, patients with an epidural catheter in place after a general thoracic surgical operation have a higher rate of urinary problems when the urinary catheter is removed early, while the epidural catheter is still in place, compared with patients whose urinary catheter is removed after the epidural analgesia is discontinued.
The Net Work Genre Function

This study theorizes genre from within actor-network theory. The net work (spelled intentionally as two words) function of genre proposes a solution to the inherent incommensurability in applying the notion of genre as social action within the posthumanist and postsocial perspective of actor-network theory. The study proposes an approach to genre analysis informed by the net work genre function and demonstrates its affordances by analyzing two conventional workplace genres. Performing genre analysis from a net work perspective has value for assimilating writers, both students and workplace professionals, into a new professional domain or organization.
Fast, Pulsed, All-Optical Geometric Phases Gates

In the previous chapters, detuned optical pulses were used to generate qubit rotations. While deriving the effect of the laser pulses on the spin, we generally ignored overall, global phases. However, in this chapter, we shall report on experiments were the global (geometric) phases of a (detuned) 2-level interaction can be visualized in Ramsey interferometry, by beating the phase against the Larmor precession. In the context of 2-qubit interactions, geometric phases play a crucial role for the realization of entangling gates [1, 2]; the realization of a fast, pulsed global phase for single quantum dot electron spins is essential for this task.
Inheritance of test weight and associated traits of oat (Avena sativa L.)

Test weight is a measure of grain quality and market value of oat (Avena sativa L,). This study was conducted to evaluate the degree of genetic variability for, and to assess the feasibility of, breeding oats with Increased test weight. Variance components and heritability of test weight were estimated by evaluating 50 random Fg g lines from each of 13 biparental matlngs. Evaluations were conducted in a trial with four replications at each of three locations in Iowa. Significant genetic variance (P<0.01) occurred for test weight in all matings. Heritabilities for test weight, calculated on a line mean basis, ranged from 63 to 91%. Transgressive segregation occurred in most matings, but low-test-weight segregates were more frequent than high transgressive lines. High heritability values, the general concurrence between mating means and midparent values, and normality of the distributions of segregating lines suggest that gene action for test weight is primarily additive. Correlations between test weight and grain yield were positive for eight populations, negative for one, and not significant for four. The presence of significant genetic variance, high heritability, and positive correlation with grain yield show that breeding high-yielding oats with improved test weight should be possible.
Plasma cell myeloma with anaplastic transformation

![Figure][1] A 59-year-old hypertensive and diabetic man presented with bone pain, oliguria, and abdominal pain. Blood tests showed: hemoglobin, 8.7 g/dL; platelets, 69 × 109/L; β-2 microglobulin, 54.23 nmol/L; serum IgA, 3450 mg/L; free λ light chain, 8570 mg/L; serum calcium, 4.05 mmol
Abstract 2269: A novel molecular subset of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma is defined by the function of the proteoglycan receptor HMMR

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a heterogeneous and deadly subtype of non-small cell lung cancer that metastasizes rapidly to distant organs. Recent transcriptional profiling of primary LUADs by TCGA identified three molecular subgroups with unique clinical and biological features. Amongst the most aggressive LUADs are tumors classified in the proximal inflammatory (PI) subtype. However, the molecular mechanisms that dictate metastatic competence of this tumor type remain undefined. Using a bioinformatic approach, we found that PI tumors are significantly enriched for the expression of extracellular matrix genes and their corresponding cell surface receptors compared to tumors of other subtypes. Among these receptors, hyaluronan mediated motility receptor (HMMR) was found to be significantly upregulated. Knockdown of HMMR in LUAD cells decreased their potential to invade, migrate, and form colonies in vitro. In an experimental mouse model of metastasis, suppression of HMMR decreased metastatic incidence and burden. Interestingly, using an orthotopic model of LUAD, suppression of HMMR attenuated tumor initiating capacity of LUAD cells within an inflammatory microenvironment without affecting tumor progression. In distant organs, HMMR is similarly essential for tumor re-initiation and expansion of micrometastases to macrometastases. Our findings suggest that the aggressive behavior of PI LUADs requires the interaction between HMMR and the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Laura E. Stevens, Minghui Zhao, Zongzhi Liu, Don Nguyen. A novel molecular subset of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma is defined by the function of the proteoglycan receptor HMMR. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2269. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2269
Perennial Growth, Form and Architecture of Angiosperm Trees

The architecture of angiosperm trees reflects multiple developmental processes that interact to produce complex forms. In this review, I summarize our understanding of major developmental processes determining angiosperm tree architecture, as well as what is known about underlying molecular mechanisms and dynamical models that recreate developmental patterns. Meristem maintenance, internode elongation, branching, and vascular development all contribute to the modular architecture of trees. The regulation of these processes involves activator-inhibitor dynamics, and controlled transport of key hormone regulators in spatial scales ranging from cell-to-cell to long-distance are central to most of these patterning processes. A model of angiosperm tree architectural dynamics that is grounded in molecular details is on the horizon for at least some model tree species, but additional comparative genomics approaches will be required to determine how the stunning diversity of angiosperm tree architectures arose from evolutionarily conserved building blocks.
How Does Your Protein Fold? Elucidating the Apomyoglobin Folding Pathway.

ConspectusAlthough each type of protein fold and in some cases individual proteins within a fold classification can have very different mechanisms of folding, the underlying biophysical and biochemical principles that operate to cause a linear polypeptide chain to fold into a globular structure must be the same. In an aqueous solution, the protein takes up the thermodynamically most stable structure, but the pathway along which the polypeptide proceeds in order to reach that structure is a function of the amino acid sequence, which must be the final determining factor, not only in shaping the final folded structure, but in dictating the folding pathway. A number of groups have focused on a single protein or group of proteins, to determine in detail the factors that influence the rate and mechanism of folding in a defined system, with the hope that hypothesis-driven experiments can elucidate the underlying principles governing the folding process. Our research group has focused on the folding of the globin...
Brain and Cognition in the “Omics” Era

The developments of phenomics, connectomics, and Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) set forth in the introductory chapter are given expanded review in this chapter. The strategy of phenomics is laid out with particular reference to the influences of genetic studies—both candidate gene and genome-wide association studies. How current developments in genomics are serving the alignment of gene networks with phenotypic elements is also described. Connectomics is laid out through its two main prongs—cellular-level or microscale connectomics carried out through automated electron microscopy, and macroscale connectomics or white matter tractography, via functional imaging. Circuit neurophenotypes, from the perspective of connectomics, are also delineated. The RDoC initiative and related developments are described in terms of their rationale and approach, and attention is given to RDoC’s emphasis on the neural circuit as the central level around which a brain-based nosology of mental disorders may be constructed. This chapter elaborates on each of these developments while also bringing forth some perspectives of neural circuitry, a topic that is the focus in the following chapters.
Drag and lift forces between a rotating conductive sphere and a cylindrical magnet

Modeling the interaction between a non-uniform magnetic field and a rotating conductive object provides insight into the drag force, which is used in applications such as eddy current braking and linear induction motors, as well as the transition to a repulsive force, which is the basis for magnetic levitation systems. Here, we study the interaction between a non-uniform field generated by a cylindrical magnet and a rotating conductive sphere. Each eddy current in the sphere generates a magnetic field which in turn generates another eddy current, eventually feeding back on itself. A two-step mathematical process is developed to find a closed-form solution in terms of only three eddy currents. However, the complete solution requires decomposition of the magnetic field into a summation of spherical harmonics, making it more suitable for a graduate-level electromagnetism lecture or lab. Finally, the forces associated with these currents are calculated and then verified experimentally.
Effect of transplant center volume on post-transplant survival in patients listed for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation

Effect of transplant center volume on post-transplant survival in patients listed for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation
Selective use of Duplex Ultrasound after Successful Thrombin Injection of Pseudoaneurysms

IntroductionDuplex-guided thrombin injection (DGTI) has been shown to be a safe and efficacious initial treatment of iatrogenic arterial pseudoaneurysms. Postinjection follow-up duplex ultrasound e...
UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF KAWASAKI IN A YOUNG ADULT PRESENTING WITH SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH: WHEN CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE BRINGS OUT THE WORST

Kawasaki disease is an early childhood vasculitis, with characteristic involvement of the coronaries. A 25 year-old Caucasian man with no significant past medical history. Sedentary lifestyle until recently. He presented with cardiac arrest while exercising at the gym. An AED identified a shockable
Computer Application of the Schwarz-Christoffel Transformation

Although the Schwarz-Christoffel formula has been known for over one hundred years and computers have existed for over thirty, only recently has it been practical to design a reliable computer package for solving the parameter problem and applying Schwarz-Christoffel maps numerically. We sketch the design of such a package, SCPACK, emphasizing the many points at which it builds upon theoretical knowledge and computer software already developed for various more fundamental numerical problems: finding eigenvalues of a matrix, solving a nonlinear system of equations, integrating an ordinary differential equation, and others. Some applications of the completed program are presented.
Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala)

The karyotypes were prepared from skin fibroblast culture (male) and lymphocytes (female) of animals at San Diego Zoo. The male chromosomes are prepared with C-bands.
Feedback Control of Particle Size Distribution in Nanoparticle Synthesis andProcessing

This chapter focuses on feedback control of particle size distribution in nanoparticle synthesis and processing. Initially, control methods based on suitable approximations of population balance models are presented to design nonlinear, robust and predictive controllers for particulate systems. The applications of the model-based control methods are then demonstrated through batch and continuous crystallization as well as aerosol synthesis. Finally, the issues of control problem formulation and controller design for high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray coating processing are discussed.
A Comparison of Pediatric Traumatic Injuries on Farms and Residences from 2009 to 2014

PURPOSE Children injured on farms in the United States are hospitalized at 14 times the rate of children with injuries unrelated to farming. This study characterizes pediatric injuries occurring on farms compared to injuries in homes. METHODS We examined the National Trauma Data Bank from 2009 to 2014 to identify children ages 0-17 with ICD-9 E-codes reflecting a farm or residential place of injury occurrence. Appropriate nonparametric tests were used to compare patient, injury, and hospitalization characteristics by injury locale. Mixed effects models for binary responses were used to examine the odds of an injury occurring on a farm versus at home, and we controlled for random effects of trauma center after adjustment for potential confounding variables including age, sex, and categorical injury severity. FINDINGS There were 2,776 injuries on farms, and 133,119 injuries at homes. Children injured on farms had a median age of 10 years compared to 4 years at homes (P < .001). Machinery injuries were 19 times more frequent on farms (P < .001), and injuries to multiple anatomic locations were twice as frequent on farms (P < .001). Children injured on farms required helicopter transport 4 times as often as those injured at home. Additionally, children injured on farms were nearly 2.5 times more likely to have a length of stay greater than 7 days. CONCLUSION Injuries occur during the course of childhood; however, injuries sustained in a farming environment are more severe and require greater clinical management than injuries which occur in the home.
Z-scan and beam-deflection measurements of Indium-Tin- Oxide at epsilon-near-zero

We report Z-scan and beam-deflection measurements of Indium-Tin-Oxide at epsilon- near-zero. We observe near unity change in the index. Nondegenerate beam-deflection measurements at different incident angles are used to characterize the coupling efficiency to longitudinal plasmons.
Diverse and dynamic DNA modifications in brain and diseases

DNA methylation is a class of epigenetic modification essential for coordinating gene expression timing and magnitude throughout normal brain development and for proper brain function following development. Aberrant methylation changes are associated with changes in chromatin architecture, transcriptional alterations and a host of neurological disorders and diseases. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the methylome's functionality and covers potential new roles for DNA methylation, their readers, writers, and erasers. Additionally, we examine novel insights into the relationship between the methylome, DNA-protein interactions, and their contribution to neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, we outline the gaps in our knowledge that will likely be filled through the widespread use of newer technologies that provide greater resolution into how individual cell types are affected by disease and the contribution of each individual modification site to disease pathogenicity.
Replacement name for the cicada genus Pycnoides Sanborn, 2020 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadinae: Platypleurini) and sixteen new combinations.

Dyticopycna nom. nov. pro Pycnoides Sanborn, 2020 nec Handianus (Pycnoides) Emelijanov, 1964 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Athysanini) is proposed. The species of Pycnoides Sanborn are transferred to Dyticopycna nom. nov. to become Dyticopycna antinorii (Lethierry, 1881) n. comb., Dyticopycna baxteri (Distant, 1914) n. comb., Dyticopycna becarrii (Lethierry, 1881) n. comb., Dyticopycna dolosa (Boulard, 1975a) n. comb., Dyticopycna hecuba (Distant, 1904) n. comb., Dyticopycna moniquae (Boulard, 2012) n. comb., Dyticopycna natalensis (Distant, 1905) n. comb., Dyticopycna neavei (Distant, 1912) n. comb., Dyticopycna passosdecarvalhoi (Boulard, 1975b) n. comb., Dyticopycna quanza (Distant, 1899a) n. comb., Dyticopycna semiclara (Germar, 1834) n. comb., Dyticopycna sylvia (Distant, 1899b) n. comb., Dyticopycna umbelinae (Boulard, 1975b) n. comb., Dyticopycna vitrea (Schumacher, 1913) n. comb., Dyticopycna vitticollis (Jacobi, 1904) n. comb., and Dyticopycna zambiaensis (Sanborn, 2020) n. comb.
Comparative Area Studies and the Study of the Global South

Comparative Area Studies (CAS) offers a template to bring the Global South back into the foreground of social science inquiry. CAS urges researchers to grapple directly with empirical variations derived from across the seemingly different global regions. CAS offers three comparative modes: intra-regional, cross-regional, and trans-regional. A number of scholars have used CAS’s comparative rubrics, even without knowing about the wider CAS agenda and program. CAS unsettles assumptions about discrete, fixed “regional” or civilizational blocks as well as about nomothetic theory-building aimed at universal or general laws. At the same time, CAS engages in the idea of medium-range theory-building, focusing empirical rigor and induction in order to create concepts and analyses that are portable yet contextualized. These macro-historical theories must be attentive to spatial and temporal variation in the social world. Claims of universalism are suspect. For the study of the Global South, in particular, CAS provides a path for aggregating and leveraging the wide range of observations and interpretations area specialists have to offer on regions as diverse as South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa. CAS thus changes the division of labor within social science to allow greater input for scholarship derived from and originating in the developing world.
Method for evaluating impulsive shear and residual capacity behavior of bolted connections

Abstract When structures are subjected to blast, shock, and other impulsive events, the potential for progressive collapse of the structure due to the loss of load bearing members is a significant concern. An understanding of the behavior of bolted connections during and after impulsive events is necessary to predict and prevent collapse of the structure. Relatively little experimental research has been conducted to investigate the behavior of such components subjected to impulsive shear and no experimental studies have evaluated the residual shear capacity of bolts or bolted connections after an impulsive event, which represent the ability to continue carrying gravity design loads. To fill this gap in knowledge, an experimental method was developed to subject bolts and bolted connections to an impulsive shear event and then measure the residual static capacity of the bolt in situ after the event. In the developed methodology, impulsive loads were generated through the use of a high-speed hydraulic actuator to accelerate a flyer mass to a desired impact velocity towards an impulsive shear apparatus, which holds the bolt. A system was designed to be installed within the impulsive setup to apply a quasi-static load after the impulsive event. A small experimental series was conducted using a conservative, low-friction bolted interface to validate the experimental setup and provide initial insights into bolt behavior for modeling purposes. The series of structural bolt experiments under impulsive loads focused on exploring three aspects: 1) the rigidity of the bolts under impulsive loads as compared to static loading conditions; 2) the appropriateness of static and dynamic increase factors under impulsive shear loads for structural bolts; and 3) the characterization of bolt damage in terms of permanent shear deformation as the result of an impulsive loading.
Unsupervised behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training programs for storage lower urinary tract symptoms in women: a systematic review.

This study synthesized the effects of unsupervised behavioral and pelvic floor muscle training (B-PFMT) programs on outcomes relevant to women’s storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS). PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were searched since their inception to August 6, 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental articles that enrolled community women aged 18 years and older and reported storage LUTS outcomes including symptoms, severity, impact, self-reported symptom improvement, and PFMS were screened and extracted. Risk of bias was evaluated, and a narrative synthesis approach was used to synthesize evidence. Ten RCTs and three pretest-posttest articles were retrieved. Half of the RCTs had some concerns of bias; the remaining RCTs had high risk of bias. Three pretest-posttest articles had at least some risk of bias. Ten articles aimed to treat urinary incontinence (UI) primarily in middle-aged women, two aimed to prevent UI, and one aimed to improve PFMS in young continent women. Two months post-intervention, UI treatment effectiveness was observed, and cumulative effectiveness was evident in: (1) reduction in the number of incontinent episodes, (2) reduction in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short Form and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life scores, (3) increased patients’ global impression of improvement, and (4) improvement of PFMS. Unsupervised B-PFMT programs improve outcomes relevant to UI and PFMS in midlife community women who have UI. Their effects on UI prevention and other storage LUTS remain unclear.
Chameleons, red herrings, and false localizing signs in neurocritical care

False localizing signs (FLS) and other misleading neurological signs have long been an intractable aspect of neurocritical care. Because they suggest an incorrect location or etiology of the pathological lesion, they have often led to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the patient. Here, we reviewed the existing literature to provide an updated, comprehensive descriptive review of these difficult to diagnose signs in neurocritical care. For each sign presented, we discuss the non-false localizing presentation of symptoms, the common FLS or misleading presentation, etiology/pathogenesis of the sign, and diagnosis, as well as any other clinically relevant considerations. Within cranial neuropathies, we cover cranial nerves III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, as well as multiple cranial nerve involvement of IX, X, and XII. FLS ophthalmologic symptoms indicate diagnostically challenging neurological deficits, and here we discuss downbeat nystagmus, ping-pong-gaze, one-and-a-half syndrome, and wall-eyed bilateral nuclear ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO). Cranial herniation syndromes are integral to any discussion of FLS and here we cover Kernohan's notch phenomenon, pseudo-Dandy Walker malformation, and uncal herniation. FLS in the spinal cord have also been relatively well documented, but in addition to compressive lesions, we also discuss newer findings in radiculopathy and disc herniation. Finally, pulmonary syndromes may sometimes be overlooked in discussions of neurological signs but are critically important to recognize and manage in neurocritical care, and here we discuss Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cluster breathing, central neurogenic hyperventilation, ataxic breathing, Ondine's curse, and hypercapnia. Though some of these signs may be rare, the framework for diagnosing and treating them must continue to evolve with our growing understanding of their etiology and varied presentations.
Bloch ferromagnetism of composite fermions

In 1929, Felix Bloch suggested that the paramagnetic Fermi sea of electrons should make a spontaneous transition to a fully magnetized state at very low densities, because the exchange energy gained by aligning the spins exceeds the enhancement in the kinetic energy1. However, experimental realizations of this effect have been hard to implement. Here, we report the observation of an abrupt, interaction-driven transition to full magnetization, highly reminiscent of Bloch ferromagnetism. Our platform utilizes the two-dimensional Fermi sea of composite fermions near half-filling of the lowest Landau level. We measure the Fermi wavevector—which directly provides the spin polarization—and observe a sudden transition from a partially spin-polarized to a fully spin-polarized ground state as we lower the density of the composite fermions. Our theoretical calculations that take Landau level mixing into account provide a semi-quantitative account of this phenomenon. Composite fermions can be tuned to very low effective density in a clean two-dimensional electron gas, which allows the formation of a Bloch ferromagnet.
Global Postal Automation

Since the late 1950s there has been a shift in postal automation in the United States. In this paper, we examine the effects of postal automation in the U.S. and focus on the major innovations that have been implemented to increase productivity and decrease labor costs. From the beginning of the New Field Theory approach to image processing technologies, we focus on the role of Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Similarly, we also discuss how other countries, such as India, China, and Japan, have executed postal automation. With rising concerns about automation and the effect it could have on the labor market, we examine what lies ahead in the future for postal automation.
Dual Microplasma Ignition Using Concentric Split Ring Resonators

In this paper, a modified Split Ring Resonator1 (SRR) developed with an additional harmonic nested ring, is studied for the impact on the plasma properties and the capability to produce a secondary discharge. This device is referred to as a Concentric SRR (CSRR). A proximity coupling phenomenon is examined as the primary factor allowing a secondary plasma discharge to occur on the electrically isolated nested ring in the CSRR. The plasma properties of the microplasma produced by the CSRR are examined using a Double Langmuir probe technique. The spatial distribution of the plasma properties was also obtained using a two-axis motion stage. The microplasmas generated in this paper used argon gas with an operating pressure approximately 0.5 Torr and an input forward power of ~ 10W. The electron temperature and plasma densities were primarily examined resulting in 2–10 eVand 1 x 1017/m3 to 8 x 1017/m3, respectively. The spatial distribution contour plots show distinct peaks in electron temperature and plasma density data near the respective discharge gaps. This is also supported by simulations of the electric fields using ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). HFSS is used to understand the electric field intensity, coupling phenomenon, and vector behavior of the CSRR.
Southwest Pass Sedimentation and Dredging Data Analysis

Abstract The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) maintains the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the Gulf of Mexico Project as part of its Navigation mission to enable safe, r...
Teen Pregnancy in Charter Schools: Pregnancy Discrimination Challenges Under the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX

Until three years ago, a policy at Delhi Charter School in Louisiana required that any pregnant student be effectively expelled. A pregnant sixteen-year-old student’s expulsion caught the attention of national media in 2012. The ACLU sued and the school quickly rescinded the policy. Although the policy was revoked, the un-adjudicated nature of the resolution leaves teen girls at the school and nationwide without any final court order to protect them against the (re)enactment of similar discriminatory policies. This Article analyzes the Delhi Charter School policy in order to make three related arguments. First, the Court should adopt a rebuttable presumption of state action when the plaintiff is a charter school student alleging the deprivation of a fundamental right. Second, any pregnancy expulsion policy enforced by a charter school violates both the Equal Protection doctrine and Title IX. The Equal Protection claim rests on the remedy left available under Geduldig v. Aiello, which otherwise crippled women’s access to remedies against pregnancy discrimination: if a facially neutral policy evidences discrimination, that policy is unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause. Due to the complete lack of rational justification for these policies, this Article argues that all pregnancy expulsion policies de facto evidence invidious discrimination. Third, while Title IX provides another source of remedies, it will not provide meaningful remedies without reform to its implementation. This Article concludes with suggested Title IX reforms.
The effect of particle size on the morphology and thermodynamics of diblock copolymer/tethered-particle membranes

A combination of self-consistent field theory and density functional theory was used to examine the effect of particle size on the stable, 3-dimensional equilibrium morphologies formed by diblock copolymers with a tethered nanoparticle attached either between the two blocks or at the end of one of the blocks. Particle size was varied between one and four tenths of the radius of gyration of the diblock polymer chain for neutral particles as well as those either favoring or disfavoring segments of the copolymer blocks. Phase diagrams were constructed and analyzed in terms of thermodynamic diagrams to understand the physics associated with the molecular-level self-assembly processes. Typical morphologies were observed, such as lamellar, spheroidal, cylindrical, gyroidal, and perforated lamellar, with the primary concentration region of the tethered particles being influenced heavily by particle size and tethering location, strength of the particle-segment energetic interactions, chain length, and copolymer radius of gyration. The effect of the simulation box size on the observed morphology and system thermodynamics was also investigated, indicating possible effects of confinement upon the system self-assembly processes.
Faculty Members’ Perceptions towards Institutional Repository at a Medium-sized University: Application of a Binary Logistic Regression Model

Purpose – The study aimed to investigate the perceptions of faculty members at a medium-sized university towards self-archiving and participation in institutional repositories (IRs). Design/methodology/approach – The research participants were from a medium-sized university. An online survey was distributed and a total of 217 responses were received which yielded a 40 per cent overall response rate. Faculty perceptions of the IR were measured through nine dimensions, the results of which were later summarised using principal component factor analysis. Findings – Faculty members’ perception of IRs and willingness to contribute to the IRs were closely associated with scholarly productivity rather than prior knowledge of and experience with IRs. Those who possessed scholarly materials were significantly more likely to have a positive perception of IRs and, therefore, were more likely to contribute to IRs than those who did not. Seniority in faculty rank contributed negatively to faculty members’ perception of the repository. Research limitations/implications – The study used a non-probability sampling technique to collect data about the faculty’s perception of IRs at a single institution of higher education. Variables for faculty background were limited to rank and academic discipline. Originality/value – In three ways: First, the study contributed to research on faculty perception of IRs in academia and approached the issue from the perspective of a teaching-oriented institution. Second, the relationship between faculty's willingness to participate in and their perception of IRs was measured. Third, a binary logistic regression model was used to estimate factors that influence faculty's perception of the institution's IRs.
Satellite orbit analyses for geodetic purposes

The difficulties in obtaining accurate determinations of tracking station positions and longitudinal variations of the earth’s gravitational field are not problems of mechanics, but rather of data analysis: non–uniform distribution of observations, inadequacy of the mathematical model of the atmosphere, and similarity of effects of different parameters on the same orbit.
Abstract T P224: The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Following an Ischemic Stroke

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been approved and is widely used for several conditions such as decompression sickness, gas embolism, wound repair, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burns. There are other reported applications of HBOT including cerebral palsy, autism, migraines, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. While experimental and observational studies suggest a benefit of HBOT for these conditions, controlled clinical trials have not been able to clearly define the benefits. Therefore, future research in these areas is essential to identify and fully understand the therapeutic potential of HBOT. In this study we propose to investigate the effects of HBOT on physical and cognitive impairments resulting from an ischemic stroke. A single case study design was utilized for 8 subjects. Subjects (male or female, 18 - 90yrs of age) were included in this study if they had suffered an ischemic stroke approximately 12-month ago and exhibited some functional impairments. A constant baseline was established which was defined as no functional improvement over a 3 month period. During the study each subject received two 4-week periods of HBOT for a total of 40 treatments of hyperbaric oxygen over a 12-week period. Each participant completed a battery of cognitive, physical, speech, and quality of life measures six times over 9 months, and had blood drawn for biochemical analysis 6 times throughout the study. We found improvements in cognition and executive function as well as physical abilities specifically, gait. Participants reported improved quality of life and decreased following HBOT treatment. We also saw changes in serum levels of biomarkers for inflammation and neural recovery, which appear to correlate with functional changes. In most domains improvement occurred during HBOT treatment but after 3 months following the last treatment, the observed changes were decreased similar to baseline levels. Findings from this study support the idea of HBOT as a potential intervention following stroke however, the timing of this treatment needs to be further examined. Further, the mechanism through which HBOT is eliciting functional changes has yet to be fully determined.
Impaired discrimination between stereoisomers of alpha-tocopherol in patients with familial isolated vitamin E deficiency.

We assessed whether patients with familial isolated vitamin E deficiency could discriminate between natural (RRR-) and synthetic (SRR-) stereoisomers of alpha-tocopherol labeled with six (d6) or three (d3) deuterium atoms, respectively. After oral administration of 20 mg of each of the stereoisomers, patients (seven) and controls (seven) had similar concentrations of both in chylomicrons, similar initial increases of both, and similar rates of decrease of d3-SRR-alpha-tocopherol in plasma. Patients and controls differed in their abilities to maintain plasma d6-RRR-alpha-tocopherol concentrations. Controls maintained plasma d6-RRR-alpha-tocopherol concentrations by preferentially secreting it in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Three of seven patients did not discriminate between the two stereoisomers and their plasma and lipoprotein d6-RRR-alpha-tocopherol concentrations declined rapidly. The remaining patients were intermediate between non-discriminators and controls in their ability to discriminate and maintain plasma d6-RRR-alpha-tocopherol concentrations. The degree of discrimination between the two stereoisomers in the patients was correlated with the age of onset of the neurologic disability (r2 = 0.64, P
How to render second order accurate time-stepping algorithms fourth order accurate while retaining the stability and conservation properties

Abstract For a fairly general class of second order accurate algorithms, a sub-stepping procedure is described which achieves fourth order accuracy while retaining the stability, conservation properties and implementation of the underlying second order method. Two features render the proposed approach especially attractive from a computational perspective over conventional fourth order methods. First, the improved (fourth order) accuracy is attained merely by two additional residual evaluations, with no changes in the implementation of the underlying second order method. In particular, no additional storage or extra computations of high order gradients are required. Second, for Hamiltonian systems, the stability properties and possible conservation properties of the underlying second order method, such as energy, momentum and symplectic character, are preserved. The new technique is applied to a number of standard algorithms for elastodynamics, structural and rigid body dynamics. In particular, when applied to the recently proposed (second order accurate) energy-momentum method, this approach results in a fourth order accurate energy, linear and angular momentum conserving algorithm for general Hamiltonian systems.
Two-dimensionally isotropic optical metamaterial feasible for stimulated emission depletion microscopy inspired direct laser writing

Stimulated emission depletion microscopy inspired direct laser writing (STED-DLW) processes incorporated with electroplating can offer diffraction-unlimited fabrication of complex metallic structures in three dimensions, not possible with traditional electron-beam or optical lithography. We propose a two-dimensionally isotropic optical metamaterial with negative permeability for fabrication with STED-DLW and electroplating of gold.
Quantal dynamics of charge equilibration in damped nuclear collisions

Abstract The change in the projectile charge and the dispersion in its value that arise in the course of a damped nuclear collision are treated quantum mechanically in terms of a collective mode analogous to the giant dipole resonance in spherical nuclei. First a classical trajectory calculation is performed to determine the time evolution of the neck which opens between the two nuclei during the reaction and a simplified hydrodynamic model is used to estimate the corresponding values of the inertial and damping coefficients for the charge asymmetry degree of freedom. Then a damped timedependent Schrodinger equation is solved for the final values of the mean charge 〈 Z 〉 and its dispersion Γ FWHM and these predictions are compared with measured values.