cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normal Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Activity in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Sarcoidosis

Twenty-four patients with sarcoidosis had normal serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) values at time of diagnosis. Sixteen patients were in stage I and eight of these underwent complete remission and four followed a stable course. Seven of eight patients in stages II and III experienced improvement while receiving glucocorticoid treatment. In six, serial SACE measurements fell significantly, paralleling the clinical improvement. The data suggest that a normal SACE in stage I indicates a good prognosis. Patients in stages II and III with normal SACE levels may still have active disease potentially responsive to glucocorticoid treatment. The reduction of SACE while receiving treatment may be viewed as the "suppressible" SACE compartment, representing that portion of the enzyme elaborated by the granuloma or its cellular precursors. The level remaining after suppression by glucocorticoids may be considered "basal" SACE, probably related to normal turnover of SACE producing cells in vascular endothelium.
Flexural waves on narrow plates

Flexural wave speeds on beams or plates depend upon the bending stiffnesses, which differ by a well‐known factor depending on the Poisson’s ratio. A quantitative analysis of a plate of finite lateral width displays the plate‐to‐beam transition, and permits asymptotic analysis that shows the dependence on the width. Orthotropic plates are analyzed using both the Kirchhoff and Kirchhoff–Rayleigh theories, and isotropic plates are considered for Mindlin’s theory with and without rotational inertia. A frequency dependent Young’s modulus for beams or strips of finite width is suggested, although the form of the correction to the modulus is not unique and depends on the theory used. The sign of the correction for the Kirchhoff theory is opposite to that for the Mindlin theory. These results indicate that the different plate and beam theories can produce quite distinct behavior. This divergence in predictions is further illustrated by comparison of the speeds for antisymmetric flexural modes on narrow plates. Th...
Soil moisture levels and mycorrhizal infection in black walnut seedlings.

Abstract The influence of soil moisture on endomycorrhizal infection in black walnut was studied using four groups of potted seedlings watered at different time intervals. Seedlings watered every day or every second day had much longer lateral roots but fewer infected root segments than seedlings watered every third or fourth day. These results suggest that controlling the soil moisture level may alter the conditions that affect competition for colonization between introduced and indigenous mycorrhizal fungi. When outplanted, nursery‐grown black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) seedlings have to contend with various soil conditions of which moisture is probably the most variable. Colonization of roots by mycorrhizal fungi is a common occurrence in most soils. However, fungi generally show differences in their growth responses to soil moisture4. Pattulo and Marshall6, working with ectomycorrhizal plants, observed an increase in mycorrhizal formation with decreasing availability of soil water. Bowen and Theodorou2...
Dependence of the dynamic properties of Voigt and Reuss composites on the Poisson's ratios and bulk loss factors of the constituent materials

Materials possessing both high stiffness and high damping would be beneficial in many structural applications. Composites that combine a stiff material, which usually has low damping, with a soft and lossy material have been proposed to engender both high dynamic modulus and high loss factor. In this article, we investigate the effective dynamic moduli and loss factors of Reuss and Voigt composites in response to a uniaxial harmonic load. The constituent materials are characterized by multiaxial viscoelastic models in the frequency domain. Using the viscoelastic correspondence principle, we derive formulae for Reuss and Voigt composites of infinite dimensions taking into account Poisson effects. We show that the effective loss factor of a Reuss composite is sensitive to the values of the Poisson's ratio and bulk loss factors of the constituent materials. Finally we simulate, using finite element analysis, the response of cylindrical Reuss composite rods of finite radius to an axial load. We demonstrate th...
High resolution magnetostratigraphy of Caribbean Plio-Pleistocene deep-sea sediments

Abstract The ability of the hydraulic piston corer (HPC) to recover virtually undisturbed sections of semi-consolidated deep-sea sediments suitable for paleomagnetic study was first demonstrated on Leg 64 and Leg 68 of the Glomar Challenger . Reported here is a complete magnetostratigraphy for a 150 m section of Plio-Pleistocene pelagic deposits recovered at Site 502 in the Caribbean. Correlation of the magnetic polarity zones to the well-dated standard sequence of geomagnetic polarity reversals provides a precise geochronological framework for age-calibration of calcareous plankton fossil datums and which, combined with the moderate to high sedimentation rates (24–38 m/m.y.), present an opportunity to study paleoenvironmental variations in the Early Pleistocene and the Pliocene with a time control and resolution heretofore possible only in Late Pleistocene deep-sea sediment cores.
Principles of a High-Bandwidth Microactuator Producing Supersonic Pulsed Microjets

This paper explores the principles of a high-bandwidth microactuator that potentially can be used for the active control of high-speed shear and boundary layer flows. The microactuator is capable of producing pulsed microjets at a desirable frequency (1-60 kHz), with high unsteady momentum and energy suitable for controlling the unstable structures of supersonic flows. In principle, the actuator consists of a source microjet that underexpands into a cylindrical cavity with multiple micro-nozzles at the opposite side through which the unsteady microjet array emanate. A lumped element modeling (LEM) approach is used to explore the characteristics of the actuator. The natural resonance frequency of the actuator system is derived from the basic principles of physical acoustics and compared with the experimental data for actuators with different geometries. While good agreement is found for cavity volumes of less than 5 mm 3 and the overall trend is correctly predicted, the deviations for large actuator cavities are significant, suggesting that model refinement is needed for handling these cases.
Conversational Styles in Language Proficiency Interviews

This study compares the conversational styles of intermediate and advanced learners of ESL in language proficiency interviews. Eleven intermediate learners and 12 advanced learners participated in a regular administration of the Cambridge First Certificate in English oral interview. I analyzed interview discourse constructed by both interviewer and nonnative speakers (NNSs), using a quantitative model of topical organization. I found differences in the amount of talk and rate of speaking (advanced learners talked more and faster than intermediate learners), in the extent of context dependence (advanced learners elaborated more in answers to questions), and in the ability to construct and sustain narratives (advanced learners did so, intermediate learners did not). There were no differences between the two groups in the frequency of initiation of new topics, nor in the reactivity to topics introduced by the interviewers. Interviewers did not vary in their interviewing style with the two groups. Some of these findings contradict what designers of language proficiency interviews claim to be proficiency-related differences between NNSs. The discrepancies may be due to the format of the interview and/or to differing expectations of the interview by interviewers and NNSs from different cultures.
Effects of contextual or olfactory cues previously paired with morphine withdrawal on behavior and pain sensitivity in the rat.

Rationale: Pavlovian conditioning processes have been accorded an important role in maintaining persistent opiate administration. At least one locus for this contribution is during opiate withdrawal. These experiments studied the contribution of Pavlovian conditioning processes to morphine withdrawal. Objectives: To determine whether exposure to a distinctive context or odor paired with morphine withdrawal would provoke a withdrawal syndrome, defensive behaviors (e.g., freezing) and pain modulatory (e.g., hypoalgesia) responses similar to those produced by exposure to stimuli signaling other sources of aversive stimulation (e.g., footshock), or whether both withdrawal and fear-like responses would be provoked. Methods: Rats were used in four experiments to study the effects on defensive behavior and pain sensitivity of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal or exposure to a distinctive context or odor previously paired with such withdrawal. Results: Injection of 2.5 mg/kg naloxone in morphine-dependent rats precipitated a withdrawal syndrome characterized by whole body shaking, diarrhea, ptosis, and postural abnormalities (experiment 1). Exposure to either a distinctive context (experiment 2) or odor (experiments 3) previously paired with morphine withdrawal provoked the species-typical defense response of freezing but not signs of withdrawal. Exposure to an odor previously paired with morphine withdrawal also provoked hypoalgesia in the formalin test, which was mediated by activity at opioid receptors (experiment 4). Conclusions: These results show that opiate withdrawal supports the conditioning of defensive and hypoalgesic responses consistent with the arousal of a fear motivational system. The emergence of fear in these experiments, and the relationship between the freezing observed here and the learned avoidance and suppression observed in other withdrawal conditioning preparations, is discussed with reference to dual representation accounts of Pavlovian conditioning.
Impact of dizziness and obesity on the prevalence of falls and fall‐related injuries

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Quantify the relationships between dizziness, falls, and obesity among adults. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a national health survey. METHODS: Adult respondents in the 2008 National Health Interview Survey balance module were analyzed. With demographic information, data for balance and dizziness problems, reported falls, injuries from falls, and body mass index were extracted. Associations between balance/dizziness problems and falls or injuries from falls were determined. The additional association between obesity and falls or fall-related injuries in the setting of a balance/dizziness problem was determined. RESULTS: Among 216.8 ± 3.5 million adult Americans, 24.2 ± 0.7 million reported dizziness in the past 12 months (11.1% ± 0.3%; mean age, 45.9 ± 0.2 years; 51.7% ± 0.5% female), 11.5% ± 0.3% had fallen in the prior 12 months, and 26.3% ± 0.4% were obese. Among individuals reporting dizziness, 34.3% ± 1.3% reported falls, whereas only 9.1% ± 0.3% of nondizzy individuals reported a fall (odds ratio [OR]: 5.1; P CONCLUSIONS: Dizziness/balance problems are strongly associated with both an increased tendency to fall and increased injury rate from falls among adults. The addition of obesity to dizziness was associated with a higher rate of falling but was not associated with a significantly higher rate of fall-related injury. Balance problems in conjunction with obesity need to be targeted in fall-prevention efforts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b. Laryngoscope, 2014. Language: en
Approaches to Evaluating Regression of Experimental Atherosclerosis

The ability to document changes in atherosclerotic plaques by direct observation in seriatim is important in designing experiments in progression or regression of atherosclerosis. There are variable responses in degree and development among lesions in a single animal and variable occurrence of segmental lesions in groups of animals. The operational goal of experiments is, therefore, to determine the location, state, size and segmental distribution of lesions at preselected times. This can be done by autopsy studies when accomplished by experienced investigators familiar with particular experimental models (1). However, autopsy observations are limited in that information about plaque dynamics must be inferred from one set of observations in time. Our experience has accordingly emphasized studies of plaque dynamics including detection, serial observation and sampling of individual or paired lesions.
Paul Wald & François Leimdorfer (eds.), Parler en ville, parler de la ville: Essais sur les registres urbains

Paul Wald & Francois Leimdorfer (eds.), Parler en ville, parler de la ville: Essais sur les registres urbains. Paris: Editions UNESCO and Editions de la Maison des sciences de l'homme, 2004. Pp. 276. Hb 27,00 €.As indicated in the title – which can be translated as Speaking in the city, speaking of the city: Essays on urban registers – this multi-authored French-language collection of essays deals with the interaction of speech and the urban environment. It is the third volume in a recently created French series that aims at understanding the city through the analysis of urban discourse in its historical and sociocultural context. This particular book, co-edited by Paul Wald and Francois Leimdorfer, highlights the back-and-forth process between the city and speech: on the one hand, the urban environment is constitutive of certain “ways of speaking,” and on the other hand, language plays a role in constructing an image of the city. Both facets of the process are well illustrated in the essays assembled here, which are informed by various disciplines: linguistics, history, anthropology, and sociology.
Further Studies on the Role of Microbial Fermentation in the Nutritional Improvement of Barley by Water-Treatment,

Abstract THOMAS et al. (1960) reported that the nutritional value of water-treated barley was probably improved by microbial fermentation. Sterilized barley, inoculated with a Gram-positive rod isolated from dust, or with B. subtilis (ATCC 9943) and dried at 70°C. was highly significantly improved in nutritional value. Water-treated barley taken from the drying oven contained many more bacteria than untreated barley, even though drying temperature was 70°C. The following experiments were conducted to investigate further the hypothesis that microbial fermentation plays a major role in the improvement of the nutritional value of barley by water-treatment. EXPERIMENTAL Day-old New Hampshire (experiment 1) or White Olympian (experiment 2) chicks of both sexes were randomly distributed into groups of eight (experiment 1) or ten (experiment 2) chicks each. Three groups were fed each experimental diet. Eleven wingbanded, six-day-old White Olympian chicks were used per diet in experiment 3. Birds were maintained in electrically-heated batteries with…
Educating and Inspiring Young People for the Next Generation of Exploration

With the graying of the nation's scientific workforce and the decline in students pursuing science, technological, engineering, and math related-studies, real challenges lie ahead if America is to continue to sustain the Vision for Space Exploration in the foreseeable future. Likewise, challenges exist in the economic arena as the United States seeks to maintain its preeminence among the technological leaders of the world. Currently, less than 6 percent of high school seniors are pursuing engineering degrees, down from 36 percent a decade ago. Today, China produces six times as many engineers as does the United States and Japan, at half our population, develops twice as many engineers. Despite spending more per capita on public education than any other nation, except Switzerland, U.S. students of high school age are failing to compete with many foreign countries. These trends do not bode well for America's future competitiveness in space and other technically driven areas, such as defense.
Glycated albumin upregulates upstream stimulatory factor 2 gene transcription in mesangial cells

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage renal failure. We previously demonstrated that a transcription factor called upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) was upregulated in ...
Relationship between radical polymerization rate and initiator concentration in various solvents

Methyl methacrylate and styrene were polymerized by using 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethyl valeronitrile) as initiator in various solvents. When a poor solvent is used, the dependence of polymerization rate Rp on initiator concentration [C] is small and can be treated by equations for the analysis of the polymerization with primary radical termination. With a good solvent, the dependence of Rp on [C] is so large that such equations are not applicable. Thus, the [C] dependence in a good solvent is explained qualitatively through the molecular weight dependence of rate for termination between polymer radicals, based on the excluded volume effect.
Foxa1 and Foxa2 Control the Differentiation of Goblet and Enteroendocrine L- and D-Cells in Mice

Background & Aims The winged helix transcription factors Foxa1 and Foxa2 are expressed in all epithelia of the gastrointestinal tract from its embryonic origin into adulthood. In vitro studies have shown that Foxa1/a2 can transactivate the promoters of Mucin 2 ( Muc2 ), which is expressed in goblet cells, and of preproglucagon , which is expressed in enteroendocrine cells. These findings suggest Foxa1/a2 as critical factors in the differentiation of gut epithelial cells. Methods Mice with intestine-specific simultaneous deletion of Foxa1 and Foxa2 were derived using the Cre-loxP system and analyzed using histologic and molecular means. Results Both Foxa1 and Foxa2 were deleted successfully in the epithelia of the small intestine and colon using Villin-Cre mice. Immunohistochemical staining showed that Foxa1/a2 mutants lack glucagon-like peptide-1– and peptide-2–expressing cells (L-cells), and have reduced numbers of somatostatin (D-cells) and peptide YY–expressing cells (L-cells). Preproglucagon, somatostatin, and peptide YY messenger RNA (mRNA) levels also were reduced significantly in Foxa1/a2 mutants. Thus, Foxa1 and Foxa2 are essential regulators of these enteroendocrine lineages in vivo. The mRNA levels of transcription factors Islet-1 and Pax6 were reduced significantly in the small intestine, showing that Foxa1 and Foxa2 impact on a transcription factor network in the enteroendocrine lineage. In addition, deletion of Foxa1/a2 caused a reduction in goblet cell number with altered expression of the secretory mucins Muc2, Mucin5b, Mucin5ac, and Mucin 6. Conclusions The winged helix factors Foxa1 and Foxa2 are essential members of the transcription factor network that govern secretory cell differentiation in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract.
Testing for a Trend in a Partially Incomplete Hurricane Record

Abstract The record of annual counts of basinwide North Atlantic hurricanes is incomplete prior to 1946. This has restricted efforts to identify a long-term trend in hurricane activity to the postwar period. In contrast, the complete record of U.S. landfalling hurricanes extends back to 1930 or earlier. Under the assumption that the proportion of basinwide hurricanes that make landfall is constant over time, it is possible to use the record of landfalling hurricanes to extend a test for trend in basinwide hurricane activity beyond the postwar period. This note describes and illustrates a method for doing this. The results suggest that there has been a significant reduction in basinwide hurricane activity over the period 1930–98.
Neutrophils injure cultured skeletal myotubes.

The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that neutrophils can injure cultured skeletal myotubes. Human myotubes were grown and then cultured with human blood neutrophils. Myotube injury ...
Shoulder dystocia: prediction and management

Shoulder dystocia is a complication of vaginal delivery and the primary factor associated with brachial plexus injury. In this review, we discuss the risk factors for shoulder dystocia and propose a framework for the prediction and prevention of the complication. A recommended approach to management when shoulder dystocia occurs is outlined, with review of the maneuvers used to relieve the obstruction with minimal risk of fetal and maternal injury.
A Quantitative and Systematic Methodology to Investigate Energy Consumption Issues in Multimodal Intercity Transportation Systems

Energy issues in transportation systems have garnered increasing attention recently. This study proposes a systematic methodology for policy-makers to minimize energy consumption in multimodal intercity transportation systems considering suppliers’ operational constraints and travelers’ mobility requirements. A bi-level optimization model is developed for this purpose and considers the air, rail, private auto, and transit modes. The upper-level model is a mixed integer nonlinear program aiming to minimize energy consumption subject to transportation suppliers’ operational constraints and traffic demand distribution to paths resulting from the lower-level model. The lower-level model is a linear program seeking to maximize the trip utilities of travelers. The interactions between the multimodal transportation suppliers and intercity traffic demand are considered under the goal of minimizing system energy consumption. The proposed bi-level mixed integer model is relaxed and transformed into a mathematical program with complementarity constraints, and solved using a customized branch-and-bound algorithm. Numerical experiments, conducted using multimodal travel options between Lafayette, Indiana and Washington, D.C. reiterate that shifting traffic demand from private cars to the transit and rail modes significantly reduce energy consumption. Moreover, the proposed methodology provides tools to quantitatively analyze system energy consumption and traffic demand distribution among transportation modes under specific policy instruments. The results illustrate the need to systematically incorporate the interactions among traveler preferences, network structure, and supplier operational schemes to provide policy-makers insights for developing traffic demand shift mechanisms to minimize system energy consumption. Hence, the proposed methodology provide policy-makers the capability to analyze energy consumption in the transportation sector by a holistic approach.
Biological Activity and Metabolism of d, 1-O-Heterobiotin in the Chick.

Summaryd,l-0-Heterobiotin has biotin-like activity for the chick. Levels of 20 γ per 100 g of purified biotin-deficient basal ration give complete protection against dermatitis and some growth response. The growth activity of the oxygen analog varies inversely with the level fed and growth comparable to that on an adequate biotin diet was not obtained. d,l-0-Heterobiotin can be detected in the liver and muscle tissue of chicks fed high amounts of this compound.
Carbaryl, Phosphamidon, and DDT Tests on the Western Hemlock Looper in Washington

Outbreaks of the western hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria lugubrosa Hulst, periodically occur in stands of western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg., along the coasts of British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
Calibration of SF_6 Gas Density Relays in Extremely Unusual Temperature Conditions

SF6 gas density relays are used to monitor gas density changes in SF6 insulated equipment,whose performances have a direct influence on the safety and reliability of the equipment.Data from fields shows that the temperature compensation performances of SF6 density relays will become worse in extremely unusual weather conditions,which will lead to greater errors.Therefore,it is necessary for SF6 gas density relays to be calibrated in those weather conditions.A kind of calibration devices for SF6 density relays in extremely unusual weather conditions and a set of calibration methods especially applied to North China areas with very low temperature were introduced.Test results suggest that a density relay with dual metal compensation is preferable than a standard cavity compensation relay in an extremely low temperature condition.By the performance calibrations,the action reliability and accuracy of a SF6 density relay can be ensured,which can prevent some kinds of power grid accidents from happening.
The economic costs of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other calamities: An analysis of economic models that quantify the losses caused by disruptions

Over the past decade, numerous studies have estimated the economic impacts of a variety of disruptions. Most of these studies are based on macroeconomic models that quantify the direct and indirect economic losses from a disruption. Direct economic losses occur due to damaged facilities or when consumers change their purchasing behavior because of the disruption. Indirect economic losses occur when directly impacted businesses consequently reduce their orders to their suppliers. Indirect economic losses are often larger than direct economic losses. This paper compiles the results from these economic models in order to compare the costs of different disruptions and help decision makers prioritize among disruptions. We compare the direct and indirect economic losses from a variety of disruptions, including earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, pandemic diseases, and port closures. Some studies model hypothetical scenarios, but other studies quantify the economic losses from historical events such as the September 11 attacks and the 2011 Japanese tsunami. This paper provides a useful benchmark to understand the consequences from disruptions and highlight areas that public officials could address in planning for future disruptions.
A Tutorial on AG Code Decoding from a Gröbner Basis Perspective

This chapter presents material about syndrome decoding and list decoding of AG codes. The syndrome decoding of AG codes is viewed in terms of Sakata’s generalization of the Berlekamp–Massey algorithm and Feng and Rao’s majority voting scheme. Their list-decoding is viewed following Sudan’s ideas and some variations.
IoT-enabled air quality monitoring device: A low cost smart health solution

Air quality Monitoring provides raw measurements of gases and pollutants concentrations, which can then be analyzed and interpreted. Air pollution is a concern in many urban areas and is the major reason for respiratory problems among many people, monitoring the air quality may help many suffering from respiratory problems and diseases, and thereafter informing engineering and policy decision makers to improve the quality of air. Major contributor's air causing respiratory problems are • Fine particles produced by the burning of fossil fuels (i.e. the coal, petroleum) • Noxious gases (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide-CO, chemical vapors.) • Ground-level ozone (a reactive form of oxygen and a primary component of urban smog) • Volatile Organic Compounds (have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature, formaldehyde-HCHO gas being major component) A prototype for a low cost indoor air monitoring device has been developed to measure the concentration of CO and HCHO gases, monitoring at a specified rate and communicating over cloud to notify to any wireless device when the threshold of these gases is reached. Initial plans included monitoring of additional CO2 and other Noxious gases. But, this could not be achieved due to restrictions on cloud traffic. Though the prototype can be extended and deployed across regions for high-fidelity emissions monitoring to explore the effects of anthropogenic and environmental factors on intra-hour air quality.
Twenty-four-hour emergency intervention versus early intervention in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE Recent observational data suggest that ultra-early treatment of ruptured aneurysms prevents rebleeding, thus improving clinical outcomes. However, advances in critical care management of patients with ruptured aneurysms may reduce the rate of rebleeding in comparison with earlier trials, such as the International Cooperative Study on the Timing of Aneurysm Surgery. The objective of the present study was to determine if an ultra-early aneurysm repair protocol will or will not significantly reduce the number of incidents of rebleeding following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS A retrospective analysis of data from a prospectively collected cohort of patients with SAH was performed. Rebleeding was diagnosed as new or expanded hemorrhage on CT, which was determined by independent review conducted by multiple physicians. Preventability of rebleeding by ultra-early aneurysm clipping or coiling was also independently reviewed. Standard statistics were used to determine statistically significant differences between the demographic characteristics of those with rebleeding compared with those without. RESULTS Of 317 patients with aneurysmal SAH, 24 (7.6%, 95% CI 4.7-10.5) experienced rebleeding at any time point following initial aneurysm rupture. Only 1/24 (4.2%, 95% CI -3.8 to 12.2) incidents of rebleeding could have been prevented by a 24-hour ultra-early aneurysm repair protocol. The other 23 incidents could not have been prevented for the following reasons: rebleeding prior to admission to the authors' institution (14/23, 60.9%); initial diagnostic angiography negative for aneurysm (4/23, 17.4%); postoperative rebleeding (2/23, 8.7%); patient unable to undergo operation due to medical instability (2/23, 8.7%); intraoperative rebleeding (1/23, 4.3%). CONCLUSIONS At a single tertiary academic center, the overall rebleeding rate was 7.6% (95% CI 4.7-10.5) for those presenting with ruptured aneurysms. Implementation of a 24-hour ultra-early aneurysm repair protocol would only result in, at most, a 0.3% (95% CI -0.3 to 0.9) reduction in the incidence of rebleeding.
Blood Biochemical Reference Intervals for Wild Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata) during the Active Season

Abstract: Blood biochemical and hematology analyses are helpful indicators of the physiologic health of animals, particularly when making conservation and management decisions for threatened species. In this study, we 1) established blood biochemical reference intervals for two populations of threatened, free-ranging ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata) in northern Illinois during their active season and 2) examined the effects of individual carapace temperature (Tc) on blood biochemical variables by using a Bayesian hierarchical framework. Individual blood variables differed throughout the active season (May–September 2015), but there were few distinct patterns in concentrations over time. When controlling for individual variability, blood biochemical variables potassium, sodium, chloride, ionized calcium, hematocrit (percentage of packed cell volume), and osmolality showed no effect of Tc (i.e., slope estimates for these variables were not credibly different from zero) and had little individual variat...
Updates on Women's Health Issues in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease affects approximately 800,000 women in the USA with the peak incidence between ages 15 to 40. Thus for many females, IBD can impact nearly every stage of their life from menarche to pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. This paper will review the most recent updates on the topics of sexual health, cervical cancer screening, menstruation, fertility, contraception, and menopause. Menarche can be delayed in females especially those who are underweight, malnourished, or with active inflammatory bowel disease. Cyclical GI symptoms during a menstrual cycle are very common in women with IBD and should not be confused with flares. Overall fertility is similar to the general population unless females with IBD have had significant abdominal surgery but reassuringly this infertility appears to be restored with the use of in vitro fertilization. Discussion regarding family planning is imperative in women with IBD with a strong recommendation to consider long-acting highly effective contraceptives such as intrauterine devices or implants. Cervical cancer screening should be tailored in women on immunosuppressive medications and all women under 26 years of age should be advised to receive the human papilloma virus vaccination. As gastroenterologists will have longitudinal relationships with their female IBD patients, they must be knowledgeable about sex-specific issues during each stage of life from puberty to after menopause to optimize their patient’s care.
A Comparative Approach to Metabolic Aspects of Aging: Conserved Mechanisms and Effects of Calorie Restriction and Environment

Metabolic systems and the function of these systems are complex, involving biochemical pathways, endocrine, neuroendocrine systems, and physiological systems and interact with environmental conditions. Studies in animal models have been invaluable in gaining an understanding of the mechanisms involved in metabolic endocrine changes during normal aging and with conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Together, these studies have revealed some conserved mechanisms and identified specific biomarkers of aging related to metabolic changes. Further, characterization of these mechanisms provides an opportunity to develop interventions and treatments for both humans and other vertebrates. This chapter will provide an overview of age-related changes in metabolism from studies in human populations and the perspective of information gained from comparative animal models. Detailed molecular mechanisms and endocrine pathways have already been discussed in other chapters of this volume. Finally, calorie restriction (CR) has shown consistent benefit to age-related disease incidence with effects that has been consistent across animal models These studies on the effects of CR enable further discernment of disease versus healthy aging processes.
Made from concentrate? A national web survey assessing dab use in the United States.

Abstract Background : Cannabis concentrates, including dabs, contain extremely high levels of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although these products appear to be gaining popularity among recreational cannabis consumers, little data exists regarding concentrate use in the US. We conducted a national web-based survey to examine patterns of concentrate use, specifically dabbing. Methods : 4077 respondents completed a survey designed to assess the use of conventional flower cannabis relative to dabs. Individuals provided information about frequency and magnitude of use, and also completed the Marijuana Motives Measure and Severity of Dependence Scale to examine whether dab users have different motives for use and/or demonstrate more severe consequences of use compared to those who only use conventional flower products. Results : 58% of respondents reported they had tried dabs at least once and 36.5% endorsed regular use (once a month or more). Those who use regularly use dabs were significantly more likely to report using for experimentation (feeling “curious”) relative to reasons for using conventional flower products. Interestingly, motives reflecting positive effects (i.e., coping, sleep problems, relieving social anxiety) were endorsed more highly for flower use. In addition, regular dab users reported being more worried about their use of cannabis products relative to those who had tried dabs but did not use regularly. Conclusions Results indicate that cannabis consumers do not necessarily choose dabs over flower products for positive effects, but rather appear to choose these highly potent products for experimentation. As concentrate use may lead to increased cannabis-related problems, studies directly assessing concentrate users are needed.
Selective Control in Quelea Populations in Eastern Africa

I describe the management of populations of the red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea) in eastern Africa for the purpose of protecting ripening cereals. The management strategy is to remove selectively only those quelea aggregations likely to come in contact with concentrations of vulnerable cereal. The opportunities for selective targeting vary among populations. Two models are presented here describing different quelea populations. The first is a general model to illustrate the relationship between migration, nesting, and damage. The second model describes the quelea population in the Ethiopian Rift Valley and the selective targeting of nesting colony groups for reducing damage to lowland sorghum in the Awash River Basin.
Approach to the evaluation and management of wide complex tachycardias.

Wide complex tachycardia (WCT) refers to a cardiac rhythm of more than 100 beats per minute with a QRS duration of 120 ms or more on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). It often presents a diagnostic dilemma for the physician particularly in determining its site of origin, which can be ventricular or supraventricular. In one series, only 32% of clinicians correctly diagnosed ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients who presented with WCT1. Prompt diagnosis of the etiology of WCT is, however, essential since immediate care is frequently required. Diagnostic and therapeutic errors can produce poor outcome especially when ventricular tachycardia is not recognized.2,3 WCT that is grossly irregular typically represents atrial fibrillation with aberrant conduction or preexcitation. If its rate exceeds 200 beats per minute, the likelihood of atrial fibrillation with conduction over an accessory pathway should be entertained. In this article, we will discuss the approach to the evaluation and management of regular WCT.
Technologies as Forms of Life

In this chapter, Langdon Winner discusses what he calls “technological somnambulism.” Our capacity and willingness to reflect on the significance of technology and to critically evaluate new technologies lags far behind our capacity for creating and disseminating technologies. As a result, we “willingly sleepwalk through the process of reconstituting the conditions of human existence.” Winner suggests several reasons for this somnambulism, including beliefs about the neutrality of technology and technological determinism. He is critical of each of these. Winner is also critical of the near exclusive focus of technological assessment on the positive and negative impacts or effects of a technology. Technologies certainly have impacts, but they also can restructure our physical and social worlds, and so how we live. Winner argues that this understanding of technologies as “forms of life” needs to inform our evaluations and choices regarding technological innovation and adoption.
Síndrome por Infusión de Propofol en un caso de estatus epiléptico refractario

Introduccion: El sindrome por infusion de propofol (PRIS) es una reaccion adversa poco frecuente, pero potencialmente letal descrita por la utilizacion de dicho farmaco en infusion intravenosa (IV) continua. El diagnostico se basa en la combinacion de: acidosis, rabdomiolisis, hiperkalemia, hepatomegalia, insuficiencia renal, hiperlipidemia, arritmias e insuficiencia cardiaca rapidamente progresiva. Objetivo: Revision de la literatura sobre PRIS, presentacion y discusion de un caso clinico. Caso Clinico: Paciente femenino de 6 anos de edad con antecedentes de epilepsia secundaria a extensa alteracion del desarrollo cortical hemisferico derecho. Presenta status epileptico de dificil manejo que requiere ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos y tratamiento, que incluye infusion intravenosa continua de propofol en dosis progresiva hasta alcanzar una tasa 10 mg/kg/h. Cursa con compromiso hemodinamico y a las 24 horas de iniciado el tratamiento, en el laboratorio se observa alza de la CK (creatinifosfokinasa), acidosis metabolica y lactacidemia elevada, y luego de descartar otras causas se plantea el dianostico de PRIS por lo que se suspende la droga, logrando estabilizacion hemodinamica luego de 24 horas. Discusion: El diagnostico de PRIS es complejo, se debe considerar en pacientes que esten recibiendo el farmaco y presenten acidosis metabolica o insuficiencia cardiaca. Los factores que mas influyen en la mortalidad son la dosis acumulativa de la droga, la presencia de fiebre y lesion encefalo craneana.En el caso descrito, la paciente recibio una dosis mayor a 4 mg/kg/h que es la dosis maxima recomendada y respondio favorablemente luego de 12 horas despues de la suspension del farmaco.
An Integrated Low-Power Multi-Modal Wide-Dynamic-Range Potentiostat

Analyzing trace components in complex samples is important in many research fields. However, factors such as power consumption, input dynamic range, and non-portability limit the efficacy of the devices used for electrochemical analysis. This paper proposes an integrated low-power multi-modal wide-dynamic-range potentiostat to overcome these limitations. A continuous mode and a discontinuous mode are integrated in the circuit to increase its dynamic range. The operation mode and the programmable gain can also be set automatically by a microcontroller. The circuit is realized in the UMC 180 nm process and consumes $60 \mu \mathrm{A}$ from a 1.8 V supply with an active area of $350 \mu \mathrm{m}\times 150 \mu \mathrm{m}$. Both simulations and experimental results prove the functionality of the proposed potentiostat.
Attitudinal Survey Characteristics Impacting Participant Responses

Research suggests that certain characteristics of survey items may impact participants’ responses. In this study we investigated the impact of several of these characteristics: vague wording, quest...
Harold L. Nelson, 1917-1996

Harold L. Nelson, 1917-1996 When Bud Nelson retired in 1981, I asked him if he planned to do more historical research and writing, now that he was freed from teaching and administration. "Not if my health holds," he said. For fifteen years his health did hold, and in his retirement he fashioned a new and exemplary career as a naturalist and environmental activist. Bud's return to nature was a natural move for him. The outdoors was a lifelong love, a love that had grown up in childhood days spent on the family's lakefront land near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, a piece of property his father had bought on the day of Bud's birth in 1917. In the 1970s, Bud built another cabin on a rocky hillside of oaks and hickories near Spring Green, Wisconsin. But it was not just nature that Bud loved; he loved to work in nature. He loved physical labor. He believed that work was not merely a means to an end, but a way of living that contained its own reward. Though Bud's belief that satisfaction must inhere in the task itself, not just in the results of the task, grew from his enjoyment of physical labor, it spilled over into his intellectual labors as well. And it nurblred in him a wonderful mixture of energy and serenity. Whether building a cabin or a school of journalism, restoring a prairie or an Association for Education in Journalism, Bud probably enjoyed the work more than the outcome of it. At the memorial service for Bud in Madison on February 12, the eulogists spoke mainly of Bud's retirement career as environmentalist and his professional career as director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin (1966-75). Bud was remembered fondly for his environmental political work and for his own hands-on effort to re-establish native prairies in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He struggled with lawmakers and with the alien leafy spurge, neither of which had a proper respect for the native ecology of the northern prairie. With his usual zest for both intellectual and physical work, he bushwhacked them both. Bud was also remembered for his national leadership in journalism education. It was Bud who rewrote the constitution of the Association for Education in Journalism in 1964 to create the division system as a way to encourage more attention to scholarly research. He was also president of the AEI in 1966-67. As much as anyone, Bud is the father of the model AEIMC. Even as a scholar of history and law, Bud was more the activist than the ivory tower writer. His major piece of scholarship was Law of Mass Communications, a leading textbook in the field. …
Crystallization of TiO 2 polymorphs from RF-sputtered, amorphous thin-film precursors

Crystalline TiO2 films of anatase, brookite, and rutile are reproducibly made from amorphous precursors deposited by RF magnetron sputtering, producing large-area, single phase films of uniform thickness. Sputtered amorphous TiO2 precursor thin films follow the general behavior observed for amorphous precursor thin films generated by pulsed laser deposition, namely, that oxygen deficiency is necessary for the formation of brookite and rutile. We quantify the oxygen deficiency and correlate it with the long wavelength optical absorption. We find that the precursor deposition rate is also a contributing factor to phase selection and that brookite and rutile form from films deposited more rapidly and anatase from films deposited more slowly. Sputtered and pulsed laser deposited amorphous precursor films prepared with similar oxygen deficiency and similar thickness result in the same final state after annealing, but the rate for sputtered precursors is slower.
Dispersion engineering with inverse design (Conference Presentation)

Slow light photonic crystal waveguides (PCW) are a promising tool for optical signal processing as well as integrated optical devices that require strong light-matter interactions, such as modulators or non-linear devices. However, the low group velocity that characterizes these PCWs is typically accompanied by a large group velocity dispersion (GVD), and a low coupling efficiency. Improving both these properties for a large bandwidth forms the design challenge of most optical devices that rely on PCWs. In this work, we use inverse design methods to, firstly, design slow light PWCs with a large group index-bandwidth product (GBP), and secondly, to design couplers for the PCW, i.e. a mode converter, which couples a ridge waveguide to the PCW, and a grating coupler, which couples free space light directly to the PCW slow light mode. Both couplers are optimized for the PCW’s low group velocity dispersion bandwidth. Unlike pre-existing work, we perform the PCW optimization in full 3D simulations which result in more accurate and fully fabricable devices. The high degrees of freedom associated with inverse design makes it an effective method for these problems and, as such, an essential design tool to optimize future PCW applications.
Properties of the mean pressure in Rayleigh-Bénard convection

The mean pressure distribution plays an important role in the dynamics of Rayleigh-Benard convection (RBC). In this work, the mean momentum balance equation is analyzed to reveal the properties of the mean modified pressure. The main findings of the present work include the following. (i) In a turbulent RBC, the mean modified pressure peaks in the near-wall region, and the peak location is found to scale with the Townsend inner length scale. (ii) In the outer layer of a turbulent RBC, the shape of the mean modified pressure is similar to that of the Reynolds normal stress in the vertical direction. (iii) In a turbulent RBC, the modified pressure has a negative trough in the core of the RBC cell. The negative modified pressure at the RBC mid-height dictates an inequality among key parameters for a turbulent RBC including the Prandtl number, Rayleigh number, rms Peclet number, and thermal displacement thickness. The inequality is confirmed by experimental and direct numerical simulation data.