cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF TIPULARIA DISCOLOR (ORCHIDACEAE)

Tipularia discolor, a woodland orchid, flowers in mid-summer when reproductive activity is minimal within the herb synusia. Tipularia is insect-pollinated, and artificial crosses showed that seeds are produced after self-pollination, intra-inflorescence pollination, and outcrossing. The single nocturnal pollinator, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Noctuidae), located Tipularia populations within a day or two of anthesis. Pollinators were shown to be capable of utilizing portions of the inflorescences that contained the most nectar. After total nectar resources declined, pollinators were no longer active on the inflorescences, even though flowers and nectar were still available. The mode of pollinator activity seems to be closely related to floral morphology, although the moths are able, early in the flowering phenophase, to successfully obtain nectar without effecting any change in the reproductive status of flowers. ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION is the predominant
The Effects of Strategic Notetaking on the Recall and Comprehension of Lecture Information for High School Students with Learning Disabilities.

This investigation examined the effects of strategic notetaking on the recall and comprehension of high school students with learning disabilities (LD) or educable mental retardation (EMR). Twenty-six students with high incidence disabilities (LD or EMR) were randomly assigned by grade and disability to either an experimental or control group. Using strategic notetaking, students in the experimental group were taught to independently take notes while viewing a videotaped lecture. Students who were taught strategic notetaking scored significantly higher on measures of immediate free recall, long-term free recall, comprehension, and number of notes recorded than students in the control group who used conventional notetaking. The limitations of the research and implications of this technique for classroom application are discussed.
Immunological responsiveness of the pigeon (Columbalivia) following neonatal bursectomy

Abstract Pigeon squabs in two separate experiments were surgically bursectomized (BSX), surgically sham bursectomized (SBSX), or maintained as non-surgical controls (CON). Surgical procedures were performed within 2 hr of hatching. Primary and secondary hemagglutinin (HA) responses, as well as mercaptoethanol sensitive (ME-S) and resistant (ME-R) levels, to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were quantitated. BSX did not reduce HA responses, nor ME-S and ME-R levels.
Reduced Na + current density underlies impaired propagation in the diabetic rabbit ventricle

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our goal was to investigate changes occurring in the action potential duration (APD) and conduction velocity (CV) in the diabetic rabbit ventricle, and delineate the principal ionic determinants. A rabbit model of alloxan-induced diabetes was utilized. Optical imaging was used to record electrical activity in isolated Langendorff-perfused hearts in normo-, hypo- and hyper-kalemia ([K(+)]o=4, 2, 12 mM respectively). Patch clamp experiments were conducted to record Na(+) current (I(Na)) in isolated ventricular myocytes. The mRNA/protein expression levels for Nav1.5 (the α-subunit of I(Na)) and connexin-43 (Cx43), as well as fibrosis levels were examined. Computer simulations were performed to interpret experimental data. We found that the APD was not different, but the CV was significantly reduced in diabetic hearts in normo-, hypo-, and, hyper-kalemic conditions (13%, 17% and 33% reduction in diabetic vs. control, respectively). The cell capacitance (Cm) was increased (by ~14%), and the density of INa was reduced by ~32% in diabetic compared to control hearts, but the other biophysical properties of I(Na) were unaltered. The mRNA/protein expression levels for Cx43 were unaltered. For Nav1.5, the mRNA expression was not changed, and though the protein level tended to be less in diabetic hearts, this reduction was not statistically significant. Staining showed no difference in fibrosis levels between the control and diabetic ventricles. Computer simulations showed that the reduced magnitude of I(Na) was a key determinant of impaired propagation in the diabetic ventricle, which may have important implications for arrhythmogenesis.
Special Section on Canada Lynx‐Habitat Relations in the Contiguous United States

The southern extent of the range of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) extends into the contiguous United States in locations from Washington State in the West to northern Maine in the East. Lynx persist in various habitats across this range from high-elevation wilderness to intensively managed industrial forests. Lynx habitat use at the species' southern range boundary was poorly understood before the species was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2000, because most research had been conducted in boreal forest. The papers in this special section outline a variety of questions regarding lynx populations at the southern extent of their range, address topics on lynx space use and denning habitat, and provide generally consistent results in terms of features important to lynx habitat use despite the wide variation in specific habitats among the study areas.
Multiple Sequence Assembly from Reads Alignable to a Common Reference Genome

We describe a set of computational problems motivated by certain analysis tasks in genome resequencing. These are assembly problems for which multiple distinct sequences must be assembled, but where the relative positions of reads to be assembled are already known. This information is obtained from a common reference genome and is characteristic of resequencing experiments. The simplest variant of the problem aims at determining a minimum set of superstrings such that each sequenced read matches at least one superstring. We give an algorithm with time complexity O(N), where N is the sum of the lengths of reads, substantially improving on previous algorithms for solving the same problem. We also examine the problem of finding the smallest number of reads to remove such that the remaining reads are consistent with k superstrings. By exploiting a surprising relationship with the minimum cost flow problem, we show that this problem can be solved in polynomial time when nested reads are excluded. If nested reads are permitted, this problem of removing the minimum number of reads becomes NP-hard. We show that permitting mismatches between reads and their nearest superstrings generally renders these problems NP-hard.
Association between Serum Osteocalcin and Markers of Metabolic Phenotype

Context: Osteocalcin has been reported to contribute to the regulation of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion and sensitivity in experimental animals. Objective: Our objective was to examine the association between serum osteocalcin concentration and markers of dysmetabolic phenotype using data from a completed clinical trial in adults age 65 and older [n = 380, mean age 71 yr, body mass index (BMI) 26.9 kg/m2, 5% with diabetes]. Research Design and Methods: In cross-sectional analyses (baseline data), we estimated the associations of serum osteocalcin and urine N-telopeptide with markers of metabolic phenotype including fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (primary outcome), fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity estimated by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, and measures of adiposity (BMI and body fat) (secondary outcomes) after multivariate adjustment for potential confounders. In prospective analysis (placebo arm), we estimated the associations of osteocalcin and N-telopeptide with change in the primary outcome, FPG, over a 3-yr period. Results: In cross-sectional analyses, serum osteocalcin concentration was inversely associated with FPG (P = 0.01), fasting insulin (P = 0.006), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (P = 0.002), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.01), IL-6 (P = 0.02), BMI (P < 0.001), and body fat (P < 0.001). When participants were divided into tertiles by serum osteocalcin, mean FPG was 97.1 vs. 104.8 mg/dl in the highest vs. lowest osteocalcin tertile, respectively (P < 0.01). In prospective analyses, exposure to higher osteocalcin levels during follow-up was associated with a significantly lower rise in FPG at 3 yr. Urine N-telopeptide was not associated with any marker of metabolic phenotype. Conclusions: Serum osteocalcin concentration was inversely associated with blood markers of dysmetabolic phenotype and measures of adiposity. Our findings should be considered hypothesis generating, and they need to be replicated in human studies designed to test the hypothesis that osteocalcin affects metabolism.
Farnesyl transferase inhibitors induce extended remissions in transgenic mice with mature B cell lymphomas

We have used a mouse model based on overexpression of c-Myc in B cells genetically engineered to be self-reactive to test the hypothesis that farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs) can effectively treat mature B cell lymphomas. FTIs are undergoing clinical trials to treat both lymphoid and non-lymphoid malignancies and we wished to obtain evidence to support the inclusion of B cell lymphomas in future trials. We report that two FTIs, L-744,832 and SCH66336, blocked the growth of mature B cell lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo. The FTI treatment affected the proliferation and survival of the transformed B cells to a greater extent than naive B cells stimulated with antigen. In syngeneic mice transplanted with the transgenic lymphoma cells, L-744,832 treatment prevented the growth of the tumor cells and the morbidity associated with the resulting lymphoma progression. Tumors that arose from transplantation of the lymphoma cells regressed with as little as three days of treatment with L-744,832 or SCH66336. Treatment of these established lymphomas with L-744,832 for seven days led to long-term remission of the disease in approximately 25% of animals. FTI treatment can block the proliferation and survival of self-reactive transformed B cells that overexpress Myc. In mice transplanted with mature B cell lymphomas, we found that FTI treatment led to regression of disease. FTIs warrant further consideration as therapeutic agents for mature B cell lymphomas and other lymphoid tumors.
Impact of Hydraulic Hysteresis on the Small-Strain Shear Modulus of Low Plasticity Soils

AbstractExperimental studies have observed that the small-strain shear modulus (Gmax) of unsaturated soils measured during hydraulic hysteresis has a greater magnitude during imbibition than during drainage when plotted as a function of matric suction. To capture this behavior, a semiempirical model was developed to interpret the impacts of the stress state and hydraulic hysteresis on Gmax of low plasticity soils. Different from previous empirical relationships for Gmax, this model incorporates elastoplastic constitutive relationships, which integrate the effects of mean effective stress and hardening because of either plastic changes in volume or changes in the degree of saturation. The effective stress is defined as the sum of the net normal stress and the product of the effective saturation and matric suction, facilitating integration of the soil-water retention curve parameters into the model. An experimental testing program involving measurement of Gmax of compacted silt during hydraulic hysteresis w...
THE EFFECT OF THE ORGANISMS' BODY SIZE AND ENERGY RESERVES IN MODELS FOR POPULATION DYNAMICS

We present two models suitable for describing dynamics of a population of unicellular organisms residing in chemostat. These models are based on biologically motivated Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory and take into account the dynamics of mean energy reserves and body length of organisms in the population. The difference between the models is in the construction of the reproduction rate. In model A it is the ordinary reproduction rate used in DEB theory. In model B it is adjusted to take into account a saturation effect in the dynamics of mean body length. Our modeling approach is illustrated by considering population of E. coli developing in the chemostat. We consider realistic situations of growth of population of E. coli at fixed and varied environmental and biological factors. We show that unlike model B in model A the dynamics of body length does not affect directly population development. Nevertheless, taking such dynamics into account is essential in both models since it provides additional constrains to population development. The models can be easily extended to include description of individual characteristics other than body size (e.g., reproduction rate, mortality rate). The models predict two types of transient dynamics: one type is similar to that in a logistic model; the other type is damped oscillations. The essential difference between the models is that model B better predicts the extinction threshold of the population.
Vector Bank Based Multimedia Codec System-on-a-Chip (SoC) Design

In this paper, we present a design architecture of implementing a ”Vector Bank” into video encoder system, namely, an H.264 encoder, in order to detect and analyze the moving objects within the specific area. Also, we believe that the transmitting bandwidth could be saved with the implementation of Vector Bank design. Motion Estimation is a common technology for today’s video codec. By abstracting the vector data from the Motion Estimation block using the motion detection method and with the application of Laplacian of Gaussian operator, we could obtain the object motion data generated by up to 16 reference frames. Thus, it could save the bandwidth, processing load, and memory resources dramatically.
Simultaneous determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) enantiomers by GC-MS

A method is described for the simultaneous determination of the ratio of l- and d-enantiomers of amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) in urine. The assay uses liquid-liquid extraction followed by derivatization with trifluoroacetyl-l-prolyl chloride (l-TPC) and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The assay was developed using prepared samples containing varying concentrations of each of the analytes over a range of percentages of each enantiomer. Results showed the method to provide accurate and reliable results in samples containing > or = 10 ng/mL amphetamine and methamphetamine and > or = 25 ng/mL MDA, MDMA, and MDEA. The assay was used to analyze urine samples from subjects of a controlled MDMA study. Results for each of the eight subjects showed a greater percentage of the l-enantiomer of MDMA initially, and the percentage increased with time postdose. Analysis of the metabolite MDA revealed that the proportion of d-enantiomer was initially greater than the l-enantiomer followed by a gradual increase in the proportion of l-enantiomer until it exceeded the amount of the d-enantiomer. In all cases, the l-MDA exceeded the d-MDA within the first 36 h postdose.
Sub-chronic low dose γ-vinyl GABA (vigabatrin) inhibits cocaine-induced increases in nucleus accumbens dopamine

γ-Vinyl GABA (GVG) irreversibly inhibits GABA-transaminase. This non-receptor mediated inhibition requires de novo synthesis for restoration of functional GABA catabolism. Given its preclinical success for treating substance abuse and the increased risk of visual field defects (VFD) associated with cumulative lifetime exposure, we explored the effects of sub-chronic low dose GVG on cocaine-induced increases in nucleus accumbens (NAcc) dopamine (DA). Using in vivo microdialysis, we compared acute exposure (450 mg/kg) to an identical sub-chronic exposure (150 mg/kg per day for 3 days), followed by 1- or 3-day washout. Finally, we examined the low dose of 150 mg/kg (50 mg/kg per day) using a similar washout period. Sub-chronic GVG exposure inhibited the effect of cocaine for 3 days, which exceeded in magnitude and duration the identical acute dose. Sub-chronic low dose GVG potentiates and extends the inhibition of cocaine-induced increases in dopamine, effectively reducing cumulative exposures and the risk for VFDS.
DEHN SURGERY ON ARBORESCENT KNOTS AND LINKS { A SURVEY

Abstract In this survey, we present some recent results about Dehn surgeries on arborescent knots and links. Arborescent links are also known as algebraic links [1, 2] and star links [3]. The set of arborescent knots and links is a large class, including all 2-bridge links and Montesinos links. They have been studied by many people, see e.g. [4,2,5,3,6, 7]. We will give some definitions below. The reader is referred to [8, 9] for more detailed background material for 3-manifold topology, to [2,1,4,10] for arborescent tangles and links, to [11] for hyperbolic manifolds, and to [12] for essential laminations and branched surfaces.
Who really wants price competition in Medicare managed care

ABSTRACT: There is much policy talk about making Medicare more competitive, like private markets. But when reform proposals near implementation, local opponents of competition are often able to sto...
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: exercise and eat right.

See related article, pages 540–548 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common disorder1 that arises from mutations in genes encoding the proteins of the sarcomere. Although 9 different sarcomere genes have been implicated, point mutations in the gene encoding the β heavy chain of myosin ( Myh7 ) or myosin binding protein C ( MyBPC3 ) are responsible for more than half of genetically confirmed cases of HCM.2 Clinical management of HCM revolves around 2 significant issues: (1) reducing heart failure symptoms, if present, and (2) preventing sudden cardiac death.3 The underlying pathological process in HCM is one of cellular hypertrophy that affects cardiomyocytes and is associated with myofibrillar disarray. Hypertrophy of the ventricular chambers is variable in HCM and may target the intraventricular septum leading to outflow gradient. HCM may also target the ventricular apex or hypertrophy may be concentric. Hypertrophy itself can increase the risk of sudden death by promoting subendocardial ischemia.4,5 The mechanisms that underlie the risk and incidence of sudden death in HCM are likely heterogeneous,6 and therefore, sudden death remains difficult to predict and manage. In humans, HCM is variable in its presentation. The precise genetic mutation that underlies HCM offers some predictive value.2 For example, some mutations lead to an earlier or later onset of disease, whereas some are highly pathologic inducing a rapid onset of hypertrophy (first or second decade) or risk of highly penetrant sudden cardiac death. As a generalization, with notable exceptions, mutations in Myh7 tend to be earlier onset and more pathologic than HCM associated with MyBPC3 gene mutations. Echocardiography is a useful tool to identify HCM and can be used to identify those …
Raman spectrum of supercritical C18O2 and re-evaluation of the Fermi resonance

We report the first Raman spectra of fully 18O-labeled supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and various isotopic mixtures. The experimental results, coupled with ab initio molecular dynamics calculations, demonstrate that the frequencies assigned to the Fermi dyad of the CO2 molecule transpose upon isotopic labeling of both oxygen atoms. Although the transposition of the Fermi dyad of CO2 gas due to isotopic substitution has been discussed before, this is the first confirmation of the effect in the Raman spectrum of the supercritical fluid and provides necessary groundwork for future Raman spectroscopy studies of reactions in this important medium. More importantly, the work yields a quantitative assessment of the mixing of states upon labeling that provides the needed clarification concerning the pedigree of the assignments for the dyad of CO2 under supercritical conditions.
The effects of business rules on transactional association analysis

Transactional association analysis deals with establishing associations among transactional items in the form of rules. The effects of business rules on the outcome of such analysis are widely ignored, while attention has been misapplied to the mining of different patterns. Ignoring such business rules may result in association rules that are biased. We address the effects of business rules on transactional association analyses for single level Boolean associations. Specifically, the research goal is to determine what level of bargain (if any) for a group of transactional items affects the number and the contents of association rules.
Flow attachment assessment of a peptide-conjugated polymeric contrast agent for targeted ultrasound imaging

Fibronectin peptide fragments were conjugated to PIA ultrasound contrast agents to develop a targeted contrast agent that enhances ultrasound imaging. The microspheres were coated with generic GRGDS and REDV peptide sequences that target integrins expressed in angiogenesis, /spl alpha//sub v//spl beta//sub 3/ and /spl alpha//sub v//spl beta//sub 5/. The microspheres bound to human breast cancer cells in vitro within 3 minutes under flow conditions. The GRGDS and REDV peptide modified microspheres show promise as candidates for targeted therapeutic imaging and eventually drug delivery vehicles.
A Generic Data-Driven Nonparametric Framework for Variability Analysis of Integrated Circuits in Nanometer Technologies

We present a generic data-driven nonparametric analyzer (GDNA) to estimate the impact of process variations on device properties and circuit functionalities in nanometer technologies. The mathematical framework of GDNA uses a kernel estimator that eliminates the need for a priori assumption of the nature of variation (i.e., no a priori choice is required for the density of a random variable). Furthermore, a generic tail probability estimator is developed that uses the kernel estimator to predict low occurrence probabilities using a small set of observed samples. Verifications using statistical simulations show that GDNA can reliably predict variability in device/circuit properties and can hence facilitate technology development and circuit design under process variation.
Some Inaccuracies in Finite Differencing Hyperbolic Equations

Abstract The errors introduced by the use of various numerical schemes for solving mathematical models have generally been only vaguely determined previously by numerical modelers. A method for a more quantitative analysis of the inaccuracies is outlined. The error associated with some simple schemes is analyzed for several linear hyperbolic systems representative of typical problems in meteorology and oceanography. Results of previous studies of phase velocity inaccuracies are confirmed and form a basis for an extension of the analysis to group velocities. Significant angular and magnitude errors are found in the group velocity. Directional errors of 180° are found for some waves. Since the group velocity is the propagation speed of the energy, such errors may have severe consequences in a numerical model. When analysis was made of complex systems of equations, results found for simple systems reappeared. Thus, studies of simple systems may provide useful indications of behavior in more complex problems ...
KETOCONAZOLE PHARMACOKINETICS IN CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS

Ketoconazole, a new oral drug, has minimal toxicity and a broad spectrum of antifungal activity. To determine its usefulness in fungal peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal d...
The Roots of Right and Wrong: Do Concepts of Innate Morality Reduce Intuitive Associations of Immorality With Atheism?

Atheists are frequent targets of prejudice and discrimination. Previous research suggests that anti-atheist prejudice may stem in part from perceptions of religion as an ultimate basis for morality: without God, why do good (or not do bad)? We conducted two studies to test whether presenting recent scientific findings regarding the nonreligious bases of morality (e.g., morality in nonhuman primates and preverbal infants) might lead people to view morality as innate, thus reducing intuitive associations of immorality and atheism. Consistent with previous research, participants viewed moral transgressions as more representative of atheists than of Christians. However, learning about the putatively innate nature of morality did not lead participants to view immorality as less representative of atheists. Intuitive moral distrust of atheists appears quite resilient, persisting even in the face of evidence for the nonreligious origins of morality.
Making the Most of Good Times: Shareholder Rights and Performance Revisited

I provide a new explanation for the abnormal returns to governance and their disappearance after 2001 by demonstrating that firms with strong shareholder rights outperform only in good times. Specifically, they capture higher profits than poorly-governed firms in the same industry when that industry is in a period of high profitability, but both groups have similar profits during weaker industry conditions. Further, I show that this pattern is anticipated by investors. Consistent with such expectations, and with an updating of valuations as anticipated industry conditions change, positive abnormal stock returns to good governance are concentrated in periods of high industry returns, and are at least partially reversed during industry downturns. Additional evidence supports a causal interpretation of the results.
Angiopoietin-like protein 2 and kidney fibrosis: lessons from knockout mice

The angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) family is homologous to angiopoietins but does not bind to the Tie2 receptor. The function of ANGPTLs has been elucidated largely in the context of angiogenesis and lipid metabolism. Morinaga et al. demonstrated that genetic depletion of Angptl2 confers amelioration of the mouse kidney fibrosis induced by a unilateral ureteral obstruction, implicating that ANGPTL2, predominantly in the renal tubular compartments, activates the transforming growth factor-β signaling and vice versa through miR-221.
Grouping of bacillus influenzae by specific agglutination

pandemic influenza. The present grouping of these organisms is unsatisfactory, being based largely on a consideration of the clinical conditions in which they are found. Slight differences in their cultural characters, in their pathogenicity for animals, and meager observations of their immunologic reactions play a secondary role in this classification. There has thus been designated: B. influenzae (Pfeiffer,1 1892) ; B. pertussis, the bacillus of acute contagious conjunctivitis, the bacillus of chronic conjunctivitis, a hemophilic bacillus isolated from urine (Davis,2 1910), as well as hemophilic organisms from various sources among lower animals. The pseudo-influenza bacillus of Pfeiffer has not been described with sufficient differential characters to warrant its
Tobacco Budworm: Behavioral Studies of the Sterile Hybrid Backcross in Field Releases in Puerto Rico

When tobacco budworm (TBW), Heliothis virescens (F.), males are mated with H. subflexa (Guenee) females, the male progeny are sterile and the female progeny are fertile. Backcrossing the hybrid females to TBW males also results in sterile male and fertile female progeny, a condition that persists through successive generations. Results from field releasesof laboratory-reared backcross insects into the native TBW population in Puerto Rico indicate that the backcross insects mate with the wild insects and that there is good potential for the infusion of the sterility factor into the native population.
A BIVARIATE HOME RANGE MODEL WITH POSSIBLE APPLICATION TO ETHOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS

Although home range and ethological data are believed to be intimately related, they have usually been analyzed separately for lack of a practical method of analysis or reasonable model relating them. We briefly review the calculation of some basic home range statistics and modified methods for estimating home range characteristics. A bivariate normal model shows most promise for such use. The additional calculation of eight points on the confidence ellipses for the location points, and for the activity center facilitates graphic representation of these probability ellipses. A standardized distance, which takes into account home range characteristics, is calculated. We believe this standardized distance may be related to familiarity within the home range, and as such could be correlated with behavior.
No Train no Grain: The Impact of Increased Demand for Rail Services by the Energy Sector on Wheat Prices

Background/Objectives: The goal of this project is to investigate the transportation link between wheat and energy markets in the Upper Midwest Region of the United States. Methods/Statistical analysis: Rail transportation is the most cost-effective alternative for shipping agricultural commodities in the Upper Midwest.The recent energy boom has created new competition for the use of shipping services in the region. Using oil prices as aproxy, I study the effects of increased competition for rail services on wheat prices. Prices for ethanol, coal, and natural gas are included to account for additional linkages between agricultural and energy markets. Findings: The results from the analysis are consistent with the hypotheses that large crops, limited storage capacity and transportation disruptions (likely caused by increased competition of rail service) are determinants of the wheat basis. Furthermore, the general findingscan be used as evidence to support the theories that have received most attention from the media covering the struggle between traditional agricultural sectors and a newer and increasingly powerful energy sector in the Midwest. The relations found in this study suggest that as oil has taken up freight space on railways, it has become more costly for farmers in Upper Midwest states like North Dakota to reach grain markets, resulting in millionaire losses. Furthermore, the recent drop in oil prices may have magnified farmers' difficulties in shipping their products as some participants in the energy industry have turned to using railcars for storing surplus inventories of crude oil. Nevertheless, the use of prices as proxy variables is questionable based on validity tests and gives reason to take the accuracy of the magnitudes estimated with care. Application/Improvements: This study is relevant for policymakers concerned with support programs to farmers, regulations over the provision of rail services, and the development of alternative methods for transporting and storing oil.
Telephone Communication with In-the-Ear Hearing Aids Using Acoustic and Electromagnetic Coupling

The purpose of this study was to determine whether telephone communication was improved with electromagnetic coupling for in-the-ear hearing aid users with mild to moderate hearing losses. Each user adjusted his hearing aid gain to the level he determined to be best for telephone communication with each coupling method. Under these conditions, average word recognition scores in quiet and average high-frequency output levels measured at the tympanic membrane were not different for each coupling method. The ability to tolerate background noise was also studied. Background noise tolerance was not different for the two coupling methods. However, significantly greater levels of background noise were tolerated when telephone side-tone feedback was eliminated regardless of coupling method.
Characterization of Portal Vein Thrombosis (Neoplastic Versus Bland) on CT Images Using Software-Based Texture Analysis and Thrombus Density (Hounsfield Units).

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of CT texture analysis and thrombus density (measured in Hounsfield units) in distinguishing between neoplastic and bland portal vein thrombosis (PVT) on portal venous phase CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this retrospective study, 117 contrast-enhanced CT studies of 109 patients were included for characterization of PVT. Assessment of PVT was performed by estimation of CT textural features using CT texture analysis software and measurement of attenuation values. For CT texture analysis, filtered and unfiltered images were assessed to quantify heterogeneity using a set of predefined histogram-based texture parameters. The Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression were applied for statistical significance. ROC curves were used to identify accuracy and optimal cutoff values. RESULTS. Of the 117 CT studies, 63 neoplastic thrombi and 54 bland thrombi were identified on the images. The two most discriminative CT texture analysis parameters...
Enabling Technologies for the Semantic Web

Kevin has a clear mission: to present the Semantic Web notion for everyone. While several of the aspects of the Semantic Web will be explained further in other chapters, readers unfamiliar with the Semantic Web issues should start thinking of the importance of the Semantic Web as an enabler of more effective intelligent knowledge and learning infrastructures. We have placed this chapter after the corporate learning environment chapter for obvious reasons. We want to converge two pillars of critical importance: on the one hand, leading and state-of-the-art research on theoretical foundations of the next generation knowledge and learning management; and on the other hand, leading edge technologies as those of Semantic Web.
Phase II Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging guided focal laser ablation is an investigational strategy for the treatment of prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: This phase II evaluation of focal laser ablation included men with stage T1c-T2a, prostate specific antigen less than 15 ng/ml or prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml3, Gleason 7 or less in 25% or less of biopsies and magnetic resonance imaging with 1 or 2 lesions concordant with biopsy detected cancer. At 3 months all patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging with biopsy of ablation zone(s). At 12 months all underwent magnetic resonance imaging and systematic biopsy. I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) and SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) scores were collected before focal laser ablation, and at 1, 3 and 12 months. The primary end point was no cancer on the 3-month ablation zone biopsy. Secondary end points were safety, 12-month biopsy, and urinary and sexual function.Results: In the 27 men median age was 62 years a...
Perspectives on stimulated Brillouin scattering

This collection of papers describes research that goes into detail on some of the more important issues in the physics of stimulated Brillouin scattering. This perspective describes the earliest years of the physics of stimulated Brillouin scattering, along with key developments that have led to this technically and physically rich field of today's nonlinear optics. Stimulated Brillouin has a profound effect in optical fiber communications, initially discovered by its limit on the transmitted power. By controlling SBS in fibers and making use of its phase conjugation properties in both fibers and bulk media, a wide range of applications have been enabled. Today ring Brillouin lasers in fibers, whispering gallery modes and in photonic integrated circuits provide optical delay lines and switches, pulse shapers and components for increasingly complex and important optical systems.
Swine in Biomedical Research

This chapter provides an overview of the use of domestic and miniature breeds of swine in biomedical research. Differences between breeds of pigs and the most significant anatomic and physiological characteristics of the species related to their selection as biomedical research models are discussed. Husbandry and handling techniques that have proven to be beneficial for using these animals in research are detailed. Also included are the key references for developing and using swine and resources for additional training and refinement are listed.
Urothelial proliferation and regeneration after spinal cord injury.

The basal, intermediate, and superficial cell layers of the urothelium undergo rapid and complete recovery following acute injury; however, the effects of chronic injury on urothelial regeneration ...
Benchmarking Micropollutant Removal by Activated Carbon and Porous β-Cyclodextrin Polymers under Environmentally Relevant Scenarios

The cost-effective and energy-efficient removal of organic micropollutants (MPs) from water and wastewater is challenging. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of porous β-cyclodextrin polymers (P-CDP) as adsorbents of MPs in aquatic matrixes. Adsorption kinetics and MP removal were measured in batch and flow-through experiments for a mixture of 83 MPs at environmentally relevant concentrations (1 μg L–1) and across gradients of pH, ionic strength, and natural organic matter (NOM) concentrations. Performance was benchmarked against a coconut-shell activated carbon (CCAC). Data reveal pseudo-second-order rate constants for most MPs ranging between 1.5 and 40 g mg–1 min–1 for CCAC and 30 and 40000 g mg–1 min–1 for P-CDP. The extent of MP removal demonstrates slower but more uniform uptake on CCAC and faster but more selective uptake on P-CDP. Increasing ionic strength and the presence of NOM had a negative effect on the adsorption of MPs to CCAC but had almost no effect on adsorpti...
Technical considerations for sacral nerve stimulator insertion

Abstract Fecal incontinence (FI) is defined as the involuntary passage of stool or flatus. It is a socially and physically debilitating condition affecting up to 15% of the adult population. Etiology of the disease is multifactorial, and consequently, disease management warrants a multimodal approach. Initial therapy consists of conservative measures, but when these fail, consideration should be given to surgical management. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an emerging therapy due to its high reported success, long-term efficacy, low morbidity, and no reported mortality. Here we describe the technique of sacral nerve stimulator insertion.
Developing Tools for Analysis of Renal Genomic Data: An Invitation to Participate.

The utility of the vast amounts of data produced by modern genomic techniques is largely limited by our ability to functionally interpret them. Normally, genomic data are functionally annotated and modeled by comparison with previously established databases that need constant updating to prevent
Surgical Site Irrigation in Plastic Surgery.

Background The incidence of infection following breast implant reconstruction remains high at the level of 24%. Surgical site irrigation is commonly used for its prevention. However, the lack of evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis in breast implant surgery necessitates research for optimal irrigation technique. Objectives composition and exposure time of irrigation solution for surgical site infection (SSI) prophylaxis using an in vitro model of a surgical site. Methods The study design was an in vitro model to assess antibiotic irrigation of a surgical site. Strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Group A Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were seeded on blood agar growth medium and irrigated with various antibiotic and antiseptic solutions under different exposure times. The presence and quantity of the colonies grown were estimated after 24-hour incubation. Repetition of the studies for 5 times with each investigated irrigation solution and microorganism was performed. Optimal irrigation agents were chosen based on the ability to achieve sterility with minimal tissue toxicity. Results The optimal wound irrigation agents for SSI prophylaxis in our study were found to be 0.05% chlorhexidine or triple antibiotic antibiotic solutions. Adding of vancomycin to the irrigation solutions did not show an increase in their effectiveness. Prolonged irrigation exposure time was necessary to achieve sterility of the in vitro model of a surgical site. Conclusions We recommend 0.05% chlorhexidine or triple antibiotic solution for topical SSI prophylaxis in breast implant surgery. Sufficient time of irrigation can be achieved by maintaining some of the solution in the pocket and delaying drainage for at least 30 minutes. Level of Evidence 5
The effect of c-arm tilt on accuracy of intraoperative fluoroscopy in assessing acetabular component position during direct anterior approach for hip arthroplasty

Intraoperative fluoroscopy can improve the precision of acetabular component positioning during direct anterior hip arthroplasty. However, changes in pelvic tilt with c-arm positioning may compromise accuracy. A geometric model of an acetabular component's projection onto fluoroscopy images was created and manipulated to simulate c-arm tilt. An apparently ideally-placed cup will have its effective anteversion changed by 7.5° with just 10° of caudal/cephalad tilt of the c-arm. This effect is greater in cups that are more horizontally placed or less anteverted. Accurate c-arm positioning is crucial, as small errors in tilt can have considerable effects on final cup position.
Liberating the Dimension for Function Approximation and Integration

We discuss recent results on the complexity and tractability of problems dealing with ∞-variate functions. Such problems, especially path integrals, arise in many areas including mathematical finance, quantum physics and chemistry, and stochastic differential equations. It is possible to replace the ∞-variate problem by one that has only d variables since the difference between the two problems diminishes with d approaching infinity. Therefore, one could use algorithms obtained in the Information-Based Complexity study, where problems with arbitrarily large but fixed d have been analyzed. However, to get the optimal results, the choice of a specific value of d should be a part of an efficient algorithm. This is why the approach discussed in the present paper is called liberating the dimension. Such a choice should depend on the cost of sampling d-variate functions and on the error demand \(\epsilon \). Actually, as recently observed for a specific class of problems, optimal algorithms are from a family of changing dimension algorithms which approximate ∞-variate functions by a combination of special functions, each depending on a different set of variables. Moreover, each such set contains no more than \(d(\epsilon ) = \mathcal{O}(\ln (1/\epsilon )/\ln (\ln (1/\epsilon )))\) variables. This is why the new algorithms have the total cost polynomial in \(1/\epsilon \) even if the cost of sampling a d-variate function is exponential in d.
STATIC AND FATIGUE STRENGTH OF STEEL GIRDERS STRENGHTENED WITH CFRP LAMINATES

The use of advanced composite materials for rehabilitation of deteriorating infrastructure has been embraced worldwide. Many new techniques have used the lightweight, high strength and the corrosion resistance of fiber reinforced polymers laminates for repair and retrofit applications. Epoxy bonding of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) sheets to the tension area of steel girders improves the ultimate load carrying capacity and stiffness of the member while reducing the stresses and extending the fatigue life. CFRP laminates can be incorporated in design of new structures as well as for repair of damaged structures. Several experimental studies of single span steel and composite girders strengthened and repaired with CFRP laminates have been conducted during the past decade. This paper presents the summary of the result of those studies.
[Invited] Generative Model-Based Text-to-Speech Synthesis

Text-to-speech (TTS) aims to convert an arbitrary text into a corresponding speech waveform. This technology has progressed from a rule-based approach to a statistical one. The statistical approach includes concatenative, unit-selection TTS and model-based, generative TTS. Recent introduction of deep learning to generative TTS has drastically improved the naturalness of synthesized speech. It is also capable to modify speaker characteristics and adding emotions while preserving its high quality. This paper discusses the progress of the technology.
Exposed Challenges, Emerging Opportunities

“This is a critical time for scholars who study international students to reassess our research agenda for the field,” remarked Rose-Redwood and Rose-Redwood (2017) in their guest editorial here two issues ago, “because we simply cannot proceed as if it were business as usual within the current political context” (p. ii). Addressing the rise of anti-immigrant environment in the country more generally, Glass (2017) wrote in the preceding editorial that “[a] staunch acceptance of reality must be buttressed by strongly held values,” enumerating values such as “promoting global engagement and understanding, engaging in civic responsibility beyond local contexts, fostering the appreciation for languages and cultures, and strengthening foreign relations and peacebuilding among nations” (p. ii).
Histological Variation in Plethodontid Digital Surfaces [University of Findlay]

Despite numerous investigations into the morphology and function of toe pads in many species, most notably anurans and geckonids, there is relatively little knowledge on salamander digit morphology. To date, toe morphology in salamanders has been limited to Desmognathus fuscus, Ambystoma maculatum, Bolitoglossa sp., and Aneides aeneus. The limited studies to date have shown variation inter- and intra-specifically but have not investigated numerous taxa within a given family which may provide deeper insights into the causes of variation (phylogenetic vs ecological pressures). Therefore, to test hypotheses concerning the presence of variation in the ventral digital surface of plethodontid salamanders, we plan to use various microscopy methodologies to view the ventral surface of the digital tips of three species from three different genera within the Plethodontidae: Desmognathus, Eurycea, and Plethodon. Toe pads will be characterized grossly using scanning electron microscopy, histologically using light microscopy, and ultrastructurally using transmission electron microscopy. Preliminary results suggest that all three species investigated display enlarged surfaces. Surface morphology (assessed via scanning electron microscopy) varies between species at a gross level concerning the shape and overall orientation of the enlarged surface. Surface morphologies include a well-developed circular pad (D. fuscus), a well-developed oval pad (P. cinereus), and a poorly developed circular pad (E. cirrigera). Furthermore, surface morphology appears to vary at the cellular level as well, with Desmognathus having polygonal squamous cells with microprojections and Eurycea having polygonal cells with nanopillars in a honeycomb arrangement. These differences may be attributed to differences in habitat preference as the three species tested include a terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic dwelling species. However, further investigation including light microscopy and enhanced scanning electron microscopy are needed. Further understanding of the morphological variation will aid in our understanding of ecomorphology and understanding of morphological evolution in amphibians.
Burnout among music therapists: An integrative review

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Burnout is a psychological syndrome that develops in response to chronic interpersonal job stressors and music therapists, like other healthcare providers, are at risk for bur...