cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of temporal integration schemes for the sensitivity analysis of frictional contact/impact response of axisymmetric composite structures

Abstract An assessment is made of three temporal integration schemes for the sensitivity analysis of the frictional contact/impact response of axisymmetric composite structures. The structures considered consist of an arbitrary number of perfectly-bonded homogeneous anisotropic layers. The material of each layer is assumed to be hyperelastic, and the effect of geometric non-linearity is included. Sensitivity coefficients measure the sensitivity of the response to variations in the different material, lamination and geometric parameters of the structure. A displacement finite element model is used for the spatial discretization. Normal contact conditions are incorporated into the formulation by using a perturbed Lagrangian approach with fundamental unknowns consisting of both the nodal displacements and the Lagrange multipliers associated with the contact conditions. The Lagrange multipliers are allowed to be discontinuous at interelement boundaries. Tangential contact conditions are incorporated by using either a penalty method or a Lagrange multiplier technique, in conjunction with the classical Coulomb's friction model. The three temporal integration schemes considered are: the implicit Newmark and Houbolt schemes, and the explicit central difference method. In the case of the implicit methods, the Newton-Raphson iterative technique is used for the solution of the resulting non-linear algebraic equations, and for the determination of the contact region, contact conditions (sliding or sticking), and the contact pressures. Sensitivity coefficients are evaluated by using a direct differentiation approach in conjunction with the incremental equations. Numerical results are presented for the frictional contact of a composite spherical cap impacting a rigid plate, showing the effects of each of the following factors on the accuracy of the predicted response and sensitivity coefficients: (a) incorporating the normal contact conditions, (b) the magnitude of the penalty parameter in the normal direction (for the perturbed Lagrangian method), and (c) the time step size for the response and the sensitivity analyses.
Entrepreneurship, Transnationalism, and Development

This article reviews the debate on economic and social consequences of immigrant entrepreneurship as well as theories advanced to explain different levels of selfemployment among immigrant and ethnic minorities. We examine the impact of professional and entrepreneurial migration on sending countries from the viewpoint of traditional theories of the brain drain as well as from that of the more recent transnational perspective. Finally, we present the latest data on the effects of selfemployment on income levels for various immigrant and ethnic groups. Results confirm the conclusion of a consistently positive net effect, both for annual incomes and hourly earnings. Implications of these results for theories of immigrant adaptation and policies implemented by sending and receiving countries are discussed.
Dynamic heap type inference for program understanding and debugging

C programs can be difficult to debug due to lax type enforcement and low-level access to memory. We present a dynamic analysis for C that checks heap snapshots for consistency with program types. Our approach builds on ideas from physical subtyping and conservative garbage collection. We infer a program-defined type for each allocated storage location or identify "untypable" blocks that reveal heap corruption or type safety violations. The analysis exploits symbolic debug information if present, but requires no annotation or recompilation beyond a list of defined program types and allocated heap blocks. We have integrated our analysis into the GNU Debugger (gdb), and describe our initial experience using this tool with several small to medium-sized programs.
Chronobiologic ambulatory cardiovascular monitoring during pregnancy in Group Health of Minnesota

Chronobiologic cardiovascular screens are provided while reference standards for blood pressure and heart rate in uneventful pregnancies are collected for comparison with the nonpregnant state in health and for the evaluation of elevated risk and/or disease. Starting in the first or second timester, 66 women wore an ambulatory monitor manufactured by Colin Instruments for nearly two days. 92 such Minnesotan profiles during pregnancy are compared with profiles of 85 clinically healthy age-matched nonpregnant women. The overall range of change in a healthy pregnancy averages 58 and 40 mm Hg for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, and 47 beats per minute for heart rate. During pregnancy, the midline-estimating statistic of rhythm M (MESOR) is statistically significantly higher for heart rate and lower for blood pressure. Compared to the nonpregnant state, the circadian amplitudes of systolic and diastolic blood pressure are higher during pregnancy and are statistically significantly correlated with the questionnaire-assessed risk of developing high blood pressure and/or cardiovascular disease. >
Evidence for natural antisense transcript-mediated inhibition of microRNA function

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential to regulate diverse sets of mRNA targets. In addition, mammalian genomes contain numerous natural antisense transcripts, most of which appear to be non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). We have recently identified and characterized a highly conserved non-coding antisense transcript for beta-secretase-1 (BACE1), a critical enzyme in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. The BACE1-antisense transcript is markedly up-regulated in brain samples from Alzheimer's disease patients and promotes the stability of the (sense) BACE1 transcript.
Neuromuscular blocking agents in paediatric anaesthesia.

Neuromuscular blocking agents are used commonly in paediatric anaesthesia, both to facilitate tracheal intubation and during surgery. Paediatric patients differ from adults in certain pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. However, because maturational changes in certain of these characteristics counterbalance, dosing requirements do not differ markedly with age. In general, onset is more rapid in paediatric patients than in adults. Succinylcholine is still used commonly in children, despite restrictions by regulatory authorities, because of its rapid onset and offset. However, newer non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, particularly mivacurium, rocuronium and rapacuronium, offer many of the advantages of succinylcholine without its severe adverse effects: rocuronium and rapacuronium have an onset comparable with that of succinylcholine whereas the onset of mivacurium is slightly longer. In addition, recovery from an intubating dose of either mivacurium or rapacuronium is nearly comparable with that of succinylcholine. If rapacuronium i.m. proves to have a rapid onset without prolonged duration, the remaining value of succinylcholine will diminish.
The effect of active learning on student characteristics in a human physiology course for nonmajors.

This study investigated the effect of active-learning strategies on college students’ achievement, motivation, and self-efficacy in a human physiology course for nonmajors. Variables were studied via a quasi-experimental, Solomon four-group design on 141 students at a small west-Texas university. Treatment groups were taught using a continuum-based, active-learning model implemented over the course of a semester. Control groups were taught using traditional didactic lecture methods. To assess the effects of the continuum-based active learning strategies, students were administered a comprehensive physiology content exam, the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, and attitude surveys. Factorial analyses indicated that the treatment groups acquired significantly more content knowledge and were significantly more self-efficacious than students in the control groups. There were no significant differences in motivation. Attitude surveys indicated that students in both the treatment and control groups demonstrated a positive attitude toward active learning, believed it helped (or would help) them to learn the material, and would choose an active learning course in the future.
FIRST SPECIES OF PLEUROCERINELLA FROM THE NEW WORLD (DIPTERA: CONOPIDAE), WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES

A new species of Pleurocerinella, P. neotropica, from Bolivia is described. It is closest to P. dioctriaeformis known from Indomalaysia and Africa.
Energy and enstrophy dissipation in steady state 2d turbulence

Abstract Upper bounds on the bulk energy dissipation rate ϵ and enstrophy dissipation rate χ are derived for the statistical steady state of body forced two-dimensional (2d) turbulence in a periodic domain. For a broad class of externally imposed body forces it is shown that ϵ ⩽ k f U 3 Re − 1 / 2 ( C 1 + C 2 Re −1 ) 1 / 2 and χ ⩽ k f 3 U 3 ( C 1 + C 2 Re −1 ) where U is the root-mean-square velocity, k f is a wavenumber (inverse length scale) related with the forcing function, and Re = U / ν k f . The positive coefficients C 1 and C 2 are uniform in the kinematic viscosity ν, the amplitude of the driving force, and the system size. We compare these results with previously obtained bounds for body forces involving only a single length scale, or for velocity dependent constant-energy-flux forces acting at finite wavenumbers. Implications of our results are discussed.
Effect of Sustained Gene Delivery of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor or Its Antagonist (PDGF-1308) on Tissue- Engineered Cementum

Background: Cementum, a mineralized tissue lining the tooth root surface, is destroyed during the inflammatory process of periodontitis. Restoration of functional cementum is considered a criterion for successful regeneration of periodontal tissues, including formation of periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. Short-term administration of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown to partially regenerate periodontal structures. Nonetheless, the role of PDGF in cementogenesis is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sustained PDGF gene transfer on cementum formation in an ex vivo ectopic biomineralization model. Methods: Osteocalcin (OC) promoter-driven SV40 transgenic mice were used to obtain immortalized cementoblasts (OCCM). The OCCM cells were transduced with adenoviruses (Ad) encoding either PDGF-A, an antagonist of PDGF signaling (PDGF-1308), a control virus (green fluorescent protein, GFP), or no treatment (NT). The transduced cells we...
The Potential Use of "Cloning" in the Conservation Effort

The recent demonstration of the feasibility of cloning adult mammals has openeda variety of new research ideas for conservation-minded biologists. It requires muchwork ahead but the potential rewards are considerable. We stand to learn much ofthe reproductive biology of many species and, in the end, may find it easier for long-term conservation practices than is provided by other currently practiced methodolo-gies. As discussed for earlier biotechnical advances [Lasley and Anderson, 1991],cloning cannot replace current practices of conservation of wild animals. It can beconceived, at best, as another desperate effort to salvage what is being lost. Indeed,it has the potential of minimizing loss of genetic resources as well as rescuing al-ready lost genetic material; these may be its greatest assets.Cloning may be defined as asexual reproduction, or as the creation of geneti-cally identical individuals. Proliferation of identical fragments of DNA (molecularcloning) is also referred to as cloning, but is clearly different from somatic cloningof organisms. The idea of cloning is not new. It has been practiced by grafting offruit trees for millennia and, in some mammalian species, it is the normal mode ofreproduction. Thus, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) regularly pro-duces monozygotic quadruplets and its Argentinean cousin, the mulita, produces evenmore identical offspring by a similar segregation of blastomeres shortly after im-plantation [Newman et al., 1909]. In most other species, splitting of the early egg isa moderately frequent occurrence whose cause is not understood. Some investigatorsnow consider that “cloning” represents the transfer of nuclei into oocytes [McKinnell,1978], a technique delineated in detail for mice by McGrath and Solter [1983]. Ex-perimentally, one form of the cloning of embryos has been achieved for instance bySpemann [1901–1903] in Triton eggs through splitting of early embryos into identi-cal multiples. More recently, in a variety of domestic animals monozygotic multiple
Analysis of repetitive DNA distribution patterns in the Tribolium castaneum genome

Approximately 30% of the Tribolium castaneum genome is comprised of repetitive DNA. These repeats accumulate in certain regions in the assembled T. castaneum genome, these regions might be derived from the large blocks of pericentric heterochro- matin in Tribolium chromosomes. Abstract Background: Insect genomes vary widely in size, a large fraction of which is often devoted to repetitive DNA. Re-association kinetics indicate that up to 42% of the genome of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is repetitive. Analysis of the abundance and distribution of repetitive DNA in the recently sequenced genome of T. castaneum is important for understanding the structure and function of its genome. Results: Using TRF, TEpipe and RepeatScout we found that approximately 30% of the T. castaneum assembled genome is composed of repetitive DNA. Of this, 17% is found in tandem arrays and the remaining 83% is dispersed, including transposable elements, which in themselves constitute 5-6% of the genome. RepeatScout identified 31 highly repetitive DNA elements with repeat units longer than 100 bp, which constitute 7% of the genome; 65% of these highly repetitive elements and 74% of transposable elements accumulate in regions representing 40% of the assembled genome that is anchored to chromosomes. These regions tend to occur near one end of each chromosome, similar to previously described blocks of pericentric heterochromatin. They contain fewer genes with longer introns, and often correspond with regions of low recombination in the genetic map. Conclusion: Our study found that transposable elements and other repetitive DNA accumulate in certain regions in the assembled T. castaneum genome. Several lines of evidence suggest these regions are derived from the large blocks of pericentric heterochromatin in T. castaneum chromosomes.
A sub-nanosec, oxide isolated ISL technology

An oxide isolated Integrated Schottky Logic (ISL) gate has been designed and fabricated using 1.25 µm minimum goemetries and a 1 µm thick epitaxy layer. Computer simulations and experimental results show good agreement and demonstrate that this gate structure provides a room temperative gate delay of approximately 0.7ns at a current level of 100 µA.
Motion of compliant capsules on corrugated surfaces: A means of sorting by mechanical properties

We discuss a novel method for capturing the dynamic coupling between a fluid and an elastic solid, the so-called fluid–structure interaction. This method integrates a lattice Boltzmann model to capture the fluid dynamics with a lattice spring model to capture the micromechanics of the solid phase. We then examine the fluid-driven motion of microcapsules, which are modeled as fluid-filled, elastic shells, along a corrugated substrate. We show that the ability of the capsules to navigate along the surface depends critically on capsule's elastic modulus. In particular, we illustrate how this substrate can be utilized to design a device for sorting microcapsules by their mechanical properties. These results apply not only to polymeric microcapsules, but also describe the interaction between the substrate and certain biological cells (e.g., leukocytes and other cells with cytoskeletons). Hence, by isolating species of a certain stiffness, the device could be highly useful for applications in biotechnology and tissue engineering or in the quality control of fabricated microcapsules. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2667–2678, 2006
Targeted inactivation of the EGF and amphiregulin genes reveals distinct roles for EGF receptor ligands in mouse mammary gland development

Targeted mice lacking functional EGF or amphiregulin (AR) were derived and bred to the TGFalpha-knockout to generate mice lacking various combinations of the three ligands. In contrast to EGF receptor (EGFR) knockout mice, triple null mice lacking half of the EGFR ligand family were healthy and fertile, indicative of overlapping or compensatory functions among EGF family members. Nevertheless, pups born to triple null dams frequently died or were runted, suggesting a mammary gland defect. Comparison of individual and combinatorial knockouts established that specific loss of AR severely stunted ductal outgrowth during puberty, consistent with dramatic expression of AR transcripts in normal developing ducts. Surprisingly, loss of all three ligands did not significantly affect cellular proliferation, apoptosis, or ERK activation within terminal end buds. Following pregnancy, most AR single null females, but few triple null females could nurse their young, revealing collaborative roles for EGF and TGFalpha in mammopoiesis and lactogenesis. In triple null glands, alveoli were poorly organized and differentiated, and milk protein gene expression was decreased. Additionally, Stat5a activation was frequently reduced in AR single and combinatorial nulls in association with impaired lactation. Collectively, our results provide genetic confirmation of a requirement for EGFR signaling throughout the development of the mouse mammary gland, and reveal stage-dependent activities for different EGFR ligands. Finally, the additional loss of growth factors from pups nursed by triple null dams further worsened their survival and growth, establishing functions for both maternal- and neonatal-derived growth factors.
Analysis of neuropeptides by perfusion liquid chromatography/electrospray ion‐trap mass spectrometry

Perfusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS) was evaluated for the determination of neuropeptides in plasma. Perfusion HPLC offers the capability of resolving neuropeptides spiked into plasma in 5 min compared to the 30-60 min separations performed on packed capillary C18 columns. Electrospray combined with the ITMS provides the ability to ionize these neuropeptides and mass analyze them with high sensitivity and specificity. Sub-picomole quantities of neuropeptides injected on-column could be specifically detected in a plasma matrix. The electrospray-ITMS mass spectrum of each neuropeptide showed multiply charged ions which could be used to determine or confirm their molecular weights.
Use of Four Potentially Energy‐Saving Electric Cooking Appliances in Households

Hypotheses about the relationship between frequency of use and 16 indepen dent variables were tested for selected appliances. Independent variables were considered in five categories: (1) relative importance of five goals in meal prep aration; (2) extent of desired characteristics in particular appliances; (3) related household facilities; (4) selected human resources; and (5) selected household attributes. The appliances—electric skillet, toaster-oven, slow cooker, and mi crowave oven—were selected as having potential for conserving energy over use of a range oven. A sample of 125 households in the Columbus, Ohio area owning at least one of the selected appliances was surveyed with a self-administered questionnaire in the summer of 1981. Toaster-ovens and microwave ovens were used more frequently than electric skillets and slow cookers. Factors which re lated significantly to frequency of appliance usage differed among the appliances studied. The significant factor(s) were: microwave oven—relative importance of the goal “being able to use as little physical effort as possible in meal prepara tion”; toaster-oven—educational attainment of respondents, number of selected appliances owned per household, and availability of convenient storage space; and slow cooker—extent of desired characteristics in the slow cooker owned. Frequency of electric skillet usage was not significantly related to any indepen dent variables.
Oxidative Stress Promotes Hypertension and Albuminuria During the Autoimmune Disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Several lines of evidence suggest that essential hypertension originates from an autoimmune-mediated mechanism. One consequence of chronic immune activation is the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. Renal oxidative stress has direct prohypertensive actions on renal microvascular and tubular function. Whether oxidative stress contributes to the prevalent hypertension associated with autoimmune disease is not clear. We showed previously that female NZBWF1 mice, an established model of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), develop hypertension associated with renal oxidative stress. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress contributes to autoimmune-mediated hypertension by treating SLE and control (NZW/LacJ) mice with tempol (2.0 mmol/L) and apocynin (1.5 mmol/L) in the drinking water for 4 weeks. Although the treatment did not alter SLE disease activity (assessed by plasma double-stranded DNA autoantibodies), blood pressure and renal injury (urinary albumin) were reduced in the treated SLE mice. Tempol plus apocynin-treated SLE mice had reduced expression of nitrosylated proteins in the renal cortex, as well as reduced urinary and renal cortical hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that treatment reduced renal markers of oxidative stress. These data suggest that renal oxidative stress plays an important mechanistic role in the development of autoimmune-mediated hypertension.
Oceanic propagation measurements for beyond line-of-sight links at Q band

This paper presents results from two experiments that were conducted to characterize propagation over the ocean at upper Q-band frequencies. Measurements of propagation loss versus path length were made off the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States in February and November 2005. The results show that the propagation loss can be more than 100 dB less than the loss due to diffraction and refractive effects caused by a standard atmosphere. Comparison of the measurements with theoretical predictions suggests that the observed propagation enhancement at high Q-band frequencies is primarily due to tropospheric ducting; however, troposcatter may also play a role at Q band and above. An attempt was made to find simple regression rules that fit the measured propagation loss dependency on path length. It was discovered that the measured path loss in dB depends linearly on the logarithm of the path length and that the slopes and intercept values of the linear regressions are dependent on receiver height and environmental conditions. The results in this paper address a frequency band that is under represented in the open literature.
Reconceptualizing Access: A Cultural Competence Approach to Improving the Mental Health of African American Women

Despite the prevalence of mental illness among African American women, only a limited number of them seek or accept help from mental health service delivery systems. An extensive review of the literature revealed that (1) racism and discrimination, (2) socioeconomic status, (3) stress and well being, and (4) housing and neighborhood conditions must be considered in an assessment of the mental health status of African American women. These factors negatively affect their mental health and should be addressed in eliminating disparities in access to and utilization of mental health services. We recommend a process by which mental health providers reconceptualize access to mental health services using a socio-cultural framework. The knowledge gained in this process will result in increased provider cultural competence. This developmental process would be facilitated by the use of a socio-cultural conceptual model for treatment engagement. The model takes into consideration the barriers to mental health treatment services that, in part, have to be eliminated by mental health providers in order to decrease disparities and enhance both access to and utilization of mental health services by African American women.
Ionic currents of Drosophila neurons in embryonic cultures

Drosophila offers a unique opportunity to determine how the genome codes for ionic channels in an organized nervous system. Considerable progress has already been made in studying the molecular biology of Drosophila K channels. In order for similar progress to be made on neuronal voltage-dependent Ca channels, a physiological preparation is needed in which the function of these channels can be directly studied. The patch-clamp studies reported here show that cultures of embryonic Drosophila cells (Seecof and Unanue, 1968) meet this need. These cultures provide the first opportunity to study with voltage-clamp techniques the Ca and Na currents of Drosophila neurons. The focus of these studies is on the Ca current; however, descriptions of the K and Na currents are also given since they help to characterize the cells studied and the quality of the voltage clamp. The voltage-dependent K, Na, and Ca currents of Drosophila neurons are very similar to those of molluscan neurons and other better studied neurons. The K currents are the largest currents in these neurons, averaging over 300 pA at +20 mV. There are 2 classes of Ca-independent K currents, inactivating currents that are 4-AP sensitive, and noninactivating currents that are insensitive to 4-AP. A large fraction of the K currents are located in the somal membrane. The Na currents are TTX sensitive and probably located in the processes. The peak amplitudes of the Ca currents vary from 0 to over 100 pA in these neurons, averaging 40 pA. With 5 mM external Ca2+ or Ba2+, the Ba currents are about twice as large as the Ca currents. Although 100 microM Cd2+ completely blocks the Ca current, organic blockers have very little effect. Variable inactivation characteristics and sensitivity to washout suggest the possibility of multiple types of Ca channels. A search for single-channel Ba currents in the somal membrane was unsuccessful.
Occurrence of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase gene mutation at codon 215 in HIV-infected infants.

Abstract Background: The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor Zidovudine (ZDV) decreases mother to child transmission of HIV infection. Nevertheless, significant proportions of mothers who are treated during pregnancy with ZDV still transmit the virus. Along with other factors, failure of ZDV prophylaxis may be due to maternal infection with ZDV-resistant strains and their consequent vertical transmission. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of mutations at codon 215 in HIV-1 infected infants and its association with clinical status and virological parameters. Study design: The cohort consisted of 49 HIV-1 infected infants. Mononuclear cell DNA was isolated from whole blood and served as the input DNA for both a qualitative DNA PCR and the codon 215 assay (nested PCR). HIV-1 viral load (RNA PCR) was measured in plasma by the Roche Amplicor™ Monitor assay. Results: Twelve of the 49 (24.5%) demonstrated viral strains with mutation at codon 215. A significant difference was found in infants born between 1992 and 1994 (6.3%) compared to those born in 1998–1999 (33.3%). Furthermore, in those infants born in 1998–1999, there was a trend toward an increase in the frequency of zidovudine resistant mutations at codon 215 corresponding to an increase in maternal zidovudine treatment. The mixture of wild and mutant HIV-1 strains was detected in two of 14 infants (14.3%) with a low viral load ( 750 000 c/ml). Only two of 33 tested infants were HIV symptomatic and in both, a mixture of wild and mutant HIV-1 strains was detected. In both infants, the viral load was >750 000 c/ml . Conclusions: This study showed that the overall frequency of ZDV resistant strains in infants born in 1998–1999 was significantly higher than that found in infant samples from 1992 to 1994. By 1998, the standard of care for mothers known to be infected with HIV was treatment with either monotherapy using ZDV or combined therapy using a variety of antiretroviral agents including ZDV. Although the exact role of ZDV resistance in limiting the effectiveness of therapies aimed at blocking vertical transmission of HIV remains to be defined, it is clear that drug resistant strains of HIV are occurring more frequently in all types of HIV infection, including infants.
A Simple Analysis Of New York State Tort Reform

In New York State, there has been a rapid increase in personal injury litigation over the recent past. We show empirically that the tort reform that occurred in the 1980s may be, in part, responsible for this phenomenon by increasing the effective structured award that the plaintiff receives. However, despite this generous compensation scheme, some cohorts of plaintiffs may still not receive economic justice.
DIET AND TREE USE OF ABERT'S SQUIRRELS (SCIURUS ABERTI) IN A MIXED-CONIFER FOREST

Abert's squirrels (Sciurus aberti) are reported to be dependent on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests for food, cover, and nest sites. Introduced Abert's squirrels in the Pinaleno Mountains of Arizona, however, occupy forests that contain little to no ponderosa pine. We documented diet and tree use of Abert's squirrels in mixed-conifer forests of the Pinaleno Mountains using observations of marked animals. Individuals ate similar food items as Abert's squirrels in ponderosa pine forests, including seeds, inner bark, buds, and fungi, but 5 conifer species were used as food sources. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) were the most frequently eaten conifer species. Abert's squirrels also were observed in all tree species. Our results suggest that the dependence of Abert's squirrels on ponderosa pine is not as strong as previously reported.
Safety and Efficacy of Contraceptive Methods for Obese and Overweight Women

Increasing rates of obesity have become a major public health challenge. Given the added health risks that obese women have during pregnancy, preventing unwanted pregnancy is imperative. Clinicians who provide contraception must understand the efficacy, risks, and the weight changes associated with various contraceptive methods. Despite differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hormonal contraceptives in overweight and obese women, efficacy does not appear to be severely impacted. Both estrogen-containing contraceptives and obesity increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, but the absolute risk remains acceptably low in reproductive age women.
Explanation-based feature construction

Choosing good features to represent objects can be crucial to the success of supervised machine learning algorithms. Good high-level features are those that concentrate information about the classification task. Such features can often be constructed as non-linear combinations of raw or native input features such as the pixels of an image. Using many nonlinear combinations, as do SVMs, can dilute the classification information necessitating many training examples. On the other hand, searching even a modestly-expressive space of nonlinear functions for high-information ones can be intractable. We describe an approach to feature construction where task-relevant discriminative features are automatically constructed, guided by an explanation-based interaction of training examples and prior domain knowledge. We show that in the challenging task of distinguishing handwritten Chinese characters, our automatic feature-construction approach performs particularly well on the most difficult and complex character pairs.
Theory of the diffusion of 4He in liquid 3He in the Fermi liquid region.

The diffusion coefficient $D$ and the thermal diffusion ratio ${k}_{T}$ for $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ in liquid $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ at low $T$ have been calculated by solving the Boltzmann equation derived from Fermi liquid theory. As $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0, {k}_{T}$ approaches a constant and $D$ varies as $\frac{1}{T}$; both are determined solely by ${a}_{0}^{34}$, the $l=0$ forward scattering amplitude. Since ${a}_{0}^{34}$ can be found from thermodynamics, a strict test of the theory can be made without any assumptions about the dependence of the scattering amplitude on the momentum transfer, making $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ in $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ unique among applications of Fermi liquid theory.
Inhibition and Biotransformation Potential of Veterinary Ionophore Antibiotics under Different Redox Conditions

Veterinary ionophore antibiotics (IPAs) are polyether compounds used extensively in the livestock industry to promote animal growth and prevent coccidia infection. However, the environmental fate and impact of IPAs are not fully understood. In this study, the inhibition and biotransformation potential of the most commonly used IPAs, monensin (MON) and salinomycin (SAL), were investigated under well-defined aerobic, nitrate-reducing, fermentative/sulfate-reducing, and fermentative/methanogenic conditions. Batch assays were conducted with mixed cultures developed from poultry litter (PL), PL-fertilized soil, and municipal anaerobic sludge. Significant transformation of MON and SAL was observed in aerobic, low-buffer capacity culture series as a result of abiotic acid-catalyzed IPAs hydrolysis induced by nitrification. Biotransformation of IPAs was the main transformation process in aerobic, high-buffer capacity culture series. MON persisted under fermentative/sulfate-reducing conditions, whereas SAL was tra...
Fatty Acid-induced Tuberculocidal Activity in Sera of Guinea Pigs Treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and Lipopolysaccharide

This study showed that sera of guinea pigs immunologically activated by vaccination and by challenge with bacillus Calmette-Gu6rin (BCG) and sera of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated guinea pigs have tuberculocidal activity. Like the tuberculocidal activity of oleic acid, the serum tuberculocidal activity was not neutralized by the addition of exogenous iron, but it was neutralized quite effectively by the addition of albumin. Both BCG- or LPS-induced tuberculocidal activities disappeared in about one week after treatment. Titrimetric determinations and gas-liquid chromatographic studies showed that the antibacterial activity in sera of immunologically stimulated animals is caused by the increased levels of myristic, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. These fatty acids were found to be highly toxic for the BCG strain of Mycobacterium bovis. The tuberculocidal effect in sera of immunologically activated animals increases according to the number of previous vaccinations. This finding indicates that the antituberculous activity in serum is an expression of immunologic processes that take place in the body of sensitive animals during severe immunologic reactions. Some strains of Mycobacterium are unable to grow
Playing by Kentucky Rules: Researching the Kentucky Rules of Evidence

It was not until into 1992 that final version of the codified Kentucky Rules of Evidence (KRE) was adopted as a law by the Kentucky legislature. This article discusses the history of state evidence law since the state courts enlisted University of Kentucky professor Robert G. Lawson to arrange all “significant decisions” on Kentucky evidence law into an orderly arrangement of black-letter rules with cases and commentary which was published as Kentucky Evidence Law Handbook (1976). Lawson later led a Kentucky Evidence Rules Study Committee to draft what ultimately became the KRE. Its two important documents, the Final Draft Report (1989) and the Study Committee Notes (1992) are discussed as tools for interpreting the KRE.
Effect of Growth Restriction on Fetal Heart Rate Patterns in the Second Stage of Labor.

Objective We aimed to estimate the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) patterns in the second stage of labor. Study Design We performed a 5-year retrospective cohort study of consecutive singleton, nonanomalous, term gestations. We compared IUGR infants, those with a birth weight less than the 10th percentile, with non-IUGR infants, those greater than or equal to the 10th percentile. Our primary outcome was the EFM patterns in the 30 minutes before delivery. A secondary analysis was performed excluding infants with composite morbidity. Logistic regression was used to adjust for body mass index, race, nulliparity, induction, and protracted labor. Results Out of the 5,388 infants, 652 (12.1%) were IUGR. IUGR fetuses had less accelerations (29.0 vs. 35.9%, p Conclusion Growth restriction at term confers an increased risk of late decelerations, even in the absence of neonatal morbidity. EFM patterns may require different interpretations based on a priori risk and clinical factors.
Shattered Rim Failure Modeling in Railroad Wheels

Shattered rim cracking, propagation of a sub-surface crack parallel to the tread surface, is one of the dominant railroad wheel failure types observed in North America. This crack initiation and propagation life depends on several factors, such as wheel rim thickness, wheel load, residual stresses in the rim, and the size and location of material defects in the rim. This paper investigates the effect of above mentioned parameters on shattered rim cracking, using finite element analysis and fracture mechanics. This cracking is modeled using a three-dimensional, multi-resolution, elastic-plastic finite element model of a railroad wheel. Material defects are modeled as mathematically sharp cracks. Rolling contact loading is simulated by applying the wheel load on the tread surface over a Hertzian contact area. The equivalent stress intensity factor ranges at the subsurface crack tips are estimated using unimodal stress intensity factors obtained from the finite element analysis and a mixed-mode crack growth model. The residual stress and wheel wear effects are also included in modeling shattered rim cracking.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Quinoline-annulated porphyrins.

Porphyrin-2,3-dione mono- and dioximes were used as starting materials for the efficient syntheses of mono- and bis-quinoline-annulated porphyrins and their corresponding N-oxides. Owing to an extended π-system, these novel porphyrinoid chromophores show significantly red-shifted UV−vis spectra compared to the parent porphyrins. A crystal structure exemplifies the nonplanar conformation of the macrocycle.
Utilization of a Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy Engine to Predict Trunk Muscle Activity for Sagittal Lifting

The ability to assess the loads on the spine in industry using biologically-assisted models has been limited by the current capability to obtain accurate muscle activities that could be entered into an EMG-assisted model. One crucial aspect of EMG-assisted models is the capability to capture the antagonistic coactivity in dynamic lifting conditions. However, limitations of electromyography equipment make it difficult to assess the muscle activity in industry. The overall project developed a complex engine using fuzzy average with fuzzy cluster distribution techniques in combination with neural network structure. The objective of the current study was compare the predicted spine loads for the actual and predicted muscle activities during sagittal lifting conditions. The model fidelity of the EMG-assisted spine load model was actually improved with the predicted EMG as compared to the actual EMG with improved r-square and average absolute error values. Furthermore, the three-dimensional spine loads were alm...
Application of Acridine Orange Method(AO-F)in the Non-traumatic Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer

Objective To apply the acridine orange fluorescence microscope method (AO-F) for non-traumatic diagnosis of bladder cancer. Methods The exfoliated urothelial cells of 79 bladder cancer patients and 80 non-tumorous patients were determined with the AO-F and Papanicolaous grading method (PG). Results There was statistical significance to diagnose the bladder cancer with these two methods. (χMH2=173.461,P=0.000.) The positive rate of AO-F method was higher than that of the PG method. (χ2=19.606,P=0.000). The sensitivities of PG and AO-F methods were 56.6% and 85.5% respectively. The specificities of PG and AO-F methods were both 100%. Conclusion The clinical value of acridine orange method(AO-F) is higher than the cell morphologic method. It can become an auxiliary diagnosis method for bladder cancer.
REVERSAL OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF CYCLOSPORINE ON MALE REPRODUCTION AND KIDNEY FUNCTION OF RATS BY SIMULTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION OF HCG + FSH

AbstractWe have shown earlier that the administration of cyclosporine impairs testicular function and causes a decrease in sperm counts, sperm motility and fertility. In order to determine whether or not the deleterious effects of CsA could be reversed by hormonal therapy, we injected sexually mature male Sprague Dawley rats with cremaphor + saline or CsA (40mg./kg./d) alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; five μg./d/rat) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH; five μg./d/rat). The injections were given subcutaneously for 14 days. As expected, CsA administration decreased the body and reproductive organ weights, testicular and epididymal sperm counts, sperm motility and fertilizing ability. Serum levels of LH were elevated and testosterone was decreased. The administration of FSH + hCG to the CsA treated rats restored the body and reproductive organ weights, sperm counts and motility. Seventy five percent of gonadotropin treated males were fertile as compared to 25% in the CsA tre...
Cognition, language, and aging

This chapter focuses on the effects of aging on the process of language production from a psycholinguistic, and neurolinguistic perspective. The first section provides a detailed description of the language production system by outlining the notions of micro- and macrolinguistic processing and introducing to some of the most influential psycholinguistic models of message production. The second part focuses on psycholinguistic investigations assessing age-related variations in the ability to produce a verbal message. A conclusive section outlines the complex interplay between the neural changes induced by aging and the reorganization of the language production system.
FORTY YEARS OF UNRECOGNIZED HYPOPITUITARISM DIAGNOSED BY PHYSICAL EXAM

Abstract Objective: To describe the diagnosis of a case of hypopituitarism that went undiagnosed for 40 years, having been masked by inhaled glucocorticoids. Methods: We present the clinical, laboratory, exam, and imaging findings, along with a review of the literature. Results: A 58-year-old man with a history of intermittent hyponatremia of unknown etiology and chronic abdominal cramps presented with worsening cramps, confusion, and serum sodium of 112 mmol/L (reference range, 135 to 145 mmol/L). His urine sodium and osmolality suggested the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), but serum sodium did not normalize with hypertonic saline and fluid restriction. Exam revealed no axillary or pubic hair and no palpable testes. He reported 3 episodes of traumatic head injury around the age of 18 and an inability to have an erection since that time. Further testing found undetectable luteinizing hormone, undetectable testosterone, low free thyroxine, low insulin-like growth factor 1, and a failed cosyntropin stimulation test. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an empty sella. His sodium and cramping improved rapidly with hydrocortisone. He had not used his glucocorticoid inhaler for 3 days prior to admission. He had a similar admission after stopping his inhaler 4 years ago, leading us to the conclusion that the chronic inhaled glucocorticoid may have masked his hypopituitarism. Conclusion: This case highlights the common and life-threatening delay in diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, the need to consider SIADH a diagnosis of exclusion, and the importance of a thorough physical exam and history, even in this era of digital medicine. Abbreviations: Siadh syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone T4 thyroxine
Legislative Regulation of Surveillance

Most of the law governing technological surveillance by law enforcement is found in legislation. This chapter first outlines the most important federal surveillance statutes in the United States and a sampling of representative state legislation, organized under three categories: interception of communications; physical surveillance; and accessing of surveillance records. It then discusses the advantages and disadvantages of regulating surveillance through legislation rather than judicial decision, and through state or local laws rather than through federal legislation. Finally, it contends that, if legislation is to be the principal means of regulating the government’s surveillance activities, law enforcement agencies should also have to adhere to administrative law principles in implementing that legislation.
Improving transitions in acute stroke patients discharged to home: the Michigan stroke transitions trial (MISTT) protocol.

For some stroke patients and caregivers, navigating the transition between hospital discharge and returning home is associated with substantial psychosocial and health-related challenges. Currently, no evidence-based standard of care exists that addresses the concerns of stroke patients and caregivers during the transition period. Objectives of the Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial (MISTT) are to test the impact of a social worker home-based case management program, as well as an online information and support resource, on patient and caregiver outcomes after returning home. The Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial is a randomized, pragmatic, open (un-blinded), 3-group parallel designed superiority trial conducted in 3 Michigan hospitals. Eligible participants are adult acute stroke patients discharged home directly or within 4 weeks of being discharged to a rehabilitation facility. The patient’s primary caregiver is also invited to participate. Patients are randomized on the day they return home using a randomized block design. Consented patients discharged to a rehabilitation facility who do not go home within 4 weeks are dropped from the study. The 2 study interventions begin within a week of returning home and conclude 3 months later. The 3-group design compares usual care to either a home-based social worker stroke case management (SWSCM) program, or a combination of the SWSCM program plus access to an online information and support resource (MISTT website). Outcomes data are collected at 7-days and 90-days by trained telephone interviewers. Primary patient outcomes include the PROMIS global 10 score (a generic Quality of Life scale), and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Caregiver outcomes include the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale. Final analysis will be based on 214 randomized acute stroke patients. To accommodate subjects excluded due to prolonged rehabilitation stays, as well as those lost-to-follow-up, up to 315 patients will be consented. The MISTT study will determine if a home-based case management program designed around the needs and preferences of stroke patients and caregivers, alone or in combination with a patient-centered online information and support resource can improve stroke survivor and caregiver outcomes 3 months after returning home. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02653170 (Protocol ID: 135457). Registered April 9, 2015.