cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring Digital Ethnography through Embodied Perspective, Role-Playing and Community Participation and Design. Introduction

This special issue of Visual Ethnography explores the idea of digital ethnography in terms of community participation and design and perspective and role-playing in digital media. This introduction briefly outlines the place of perspective and roleplaying in expressing cultural heritage and cultural experience, and provides an overview of insights and techniques from the fields of participatory research and design. An introduction to the articles in the special issue follows, focusing on the diverse ways in which they offer practical and reflective perspectives on community participation, collaboration, and perspective in projects involving living cultural heritage, as well as the negotiation of space between researcher, subject matter, and the medium(s) through which lived experience is conveyed.
Evaluation of Mowing Frequency on Right-of-Way Plant Communities in Mississippi

Abstract Native grasses and native wildflowers are declining, especially along roadside right-of-ways because of intensive mowing and herbicide management practices. Roadside right-of-ways undergo regular disturbances such as mowing, maintenance, and road developments that affect soils, groundwater, surface hydrology, and vegetation composition. We investigated species richness and percent coverage within plant communities along highway right-of-ways to determine if reduced mowing increased native plant coverage. The study was conducted using 10 research plots situated along Highway 25 in Oktibbeha and Winston counties, Mississippi. Each research plot consisted of three different treatments as follows: one that included greater than four mowings per year, one mowing only in fall, and one mowing only in fall with a supplemental native wildflower seeding. Using line transect sampling, we detected 277 plant species, which included native and nonnative forbs, legumes, grasses, rushes, sedges, and woody perenn...
Complex mismatch negativity to tone pair deviants in long-term schizophrenia and in the first-episode schizophrenia spectrum.

Abstract Mismatch negativity (MMN) is an event-related potential to stimulus change. MMN to infrequent deviant tones that differs in a simple physical parameter from repetitive standard tones is reduced in patients with long-term schizophrenia (Sz; d = ~ 1). However, this simple MMN is not uniformly reduced at the first-episode of schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis (FESz; d
Streaming Complexity of Approximating Max 2CSP and Max Acyclic Subgraph

We study the complexity of estimating the optimum value of a Boolean 2CSP (arity two constraint satisfaction problem) in the single-pass streaming setting, where the algorithm is presented the constraints in an arbitrary order. We give a streaming algorithm to estimate the optimum within a factor approaching 2/5 using logarithmic space, with high probability. This beats the trivial factor 1/4 estimate obtained by simply outputting 1/4-th of the total number of constraints. The inspiration for our work is a lower bound of Kapralov, Khanna, and Sudan (SODA'15) who showed that a similar trivial estimate (of factor 1/2) is the best one can do for Max CUT. This lower bound implies that beating a factor 1/2 for Max DICUT (a special case of Max 2CSP), in particular, to distinguish between the case when the optimum is m/2 versus when it is at most (1/4+eps)m, where m is the total number of edges, requires polynomial space. We complement this hardness result by showing that for DICUT, one can distinguish between the case in which the optimum exceeds (1/2+eps)m and the case in which it is close to m/4. We also prove that estimating the size of the maximum acyclic subgraph of a directed graph, when its edges are presented in a single-pass stream, within a factor better than 7/8 requires polynomial space.
A new formula for secondary emission yield in the low voltage region: An improvement of Vaughan's expression

Reducing the emission of secondary electrons from anode materials is critical to improved efficiency and increased performance in high power vacuum electronics for defense systems. The focus of this proposed effort is to leverage advances in materials technology, specifically thin films, to reduce secondary electron generation and outgassing from anode surfaces. By using advanced thin film deposition techniques, hybrid materials can be developed that provide the thermal and electrical conductivity required for operation, while reducing secondary electrons and desorption of gas species from the anode surface. Proposed solutions to these issues need to be robust, yet cost effective and applicable through available manufacturing processes. In this paper, we will introduce an improved mathematical expression for the secondary emission yield as a function of the impact voltage which is an extension of the formula first introduced by Vaughan [1]. Our expression gives a better fit to some of our experimental data of secondary emission yield versus impact voltage for polycrystalline Copper for which the maximum secondary emission yield is only slightly larger than unity.
Modified In Situ Pericardial Rerouting Technique for Scimitar Syndrome Repair

Scimitar syndrome repair represents a challenge due to the high incidence of postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction associated with classic surgical strategies. In situ pericardial rerouting technique has been considered a promising alternative approach due to its simplicity and excellent midterm results. Access to the left atrium can be difficult in young patients with severe dextrocardia and hypoplastic right lung. We describe a modification of the original rerouting technique in which the atrial septum is repositioned in order to create a wide opening in the lateral aspect of the left atrium and ensure an adequate size of the reconstructed pathway.
Longitudinal Changes in Depression and Glycemia in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

To assess change in depression over ≥4 years in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the association between change in depression and glycemic outcomes, we examined PHQ-8 data in adults in the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry with T1D duration ≥ 1 year (N= 2547; 57% female, 92% non-Hispanic white, year 1 age 43±16 years). PHQ-8 score ≥10 defined “depressed.” Linear regression was used to assess association of continuous outcomes and depression; logistic regression was used for categorical outcomes. At year 1/year 5, 9%/11% were depressed. In this sample, 126 (5%) had Persistent Depression (depressed at year 1 and year 5), 112 (4%) Resolved Depression (depressed at year 1, not at year 5), 148 (6%) New Year 5 Depression (not depressed at year 1, depressed at year 5), and 2161 (85%) Not Depressed at year 1/year 5. Of those depressed at year 1, 53% were depressed at year 5; of those not depressed at year 1, 6% were depressed at year 5. Participants with persistent depression/new year 5 depression had a significant increase (↑) in A1c [adj mean ↑ 0.5± 0.2/0.5± 0.2; adj mean 8.1±0.1 for both; adj P’s=0.001]; those not depressed at year 1/year 5 showed a trend in ↑A1c [0.3±0.1; adj mean 7.8±0.1; adj P=0.04]. Those with resolved depression did not show change in A1c [0.2±0.2; adj mean 7.7±0.2; adj P=0.28]. Those with persistent depression/new year 5 depression were more likely to report new year 5 DKA (DKA year 5 | no DKA year 1) than those not depressed at year 1/year 5 (adj P’s=0.03/0.04). There were trends for those with persistent depression to be more likely to report new year 5 severe hypoglycemia (SH) than those not depressed (11.1% vs. 4.8%); and for those with resolved depression to be less likely to report new year 5 SH (3.6 vs. 4.8%, adj P’s=0.09/0.11). Depression category was not associated with change in BMI (adj P=0.80). As a continuous variable, ↑in PHQ-8 was associated with ↑ in A1c (adj P 0.50). Depression (persistent or new year 5) has a negative impact on glycemic control over time. Adults with T1D should be screened and treated for depression. Disclosure P.M. Trief: Research Support; Self; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. N.C. Foster: None. N. Chaytor: None. M.E. Hilliard: None. J. Kittelsrud: None. S. Jaser: None. S. Majidi: None. S. Corathers: None. S. Bzdick: None. D. Adkins: None. R.S. Weinstock: Research Support; Self; Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., Mylan, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., Diasome Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Calibra Medical, Dexcom, Inc., Ultradian Diagnostics LLC., JAEB Center For Health Research, JDRF, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Vibronic Coupling Models of Mixed Valency: Relation of the PKS and MO Models for One- and Two-Electron Systems

The original PKS model (S.B. Piepho, E.R. Krausz, P.N. Schatz, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 100, 2996 (1978), which starts with a valence bond basis, is extended by expanding the electronic interaction between subunits in a power series in the coordinate which measures the distance between subunits (q1). With this extension, it is shown that the model is precisely equivalent to a simplified MO model for mixed-valence dimers recently formulated by Piepho (S.B. Piepho, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 110. 6319 (1988)).The simplified Piepho MO model is then generalized to the two-electron case, and a comparison is made in turn with the two-electron equivalent of the PKS model (K. Prassides, P.N. Schatz, K.Y. Wong, P. Day, J. Phys. Chem., 90, 5588 (1986)). If the latter is also extended by expanding the electronic interaction in a power series in q1, one again finds a precise equivalence with the corresponding MO model.Two coordinates are important in these models, namely q1 and the original PKS coordinate q2, the antisymmetric combination of subunit breathing modes. Some potential surfaces are shown for both the one- and two-electron cases as a function of these coordinates.
Selection of Tumor Cell Metastatic Variants by Differential Adhesion to Immobilized Lectins

Publisher Summary To investigate the cellular properties important in malignant tumor behavior, specific tumor cell subpopulations are selected that possess altered invasive and metastatic potentials. Selection for such tumor cell variants has been performed in vivo using appropriate tumor hosts and in vitro using procedures that separate tumor cell subpopulations based on their physical, biochemical, or biological differences. In the in vivo selection scheme, tumor cells are subject to a variety of host pressures and environments, most of which are not precisely known. In contrast, the use of in vitro selection schemes can allow investigators to obtain tumor variant cells with particular properties. In vitro selection procedures have distinct advantages over random in vitro cell cloning procedures because far fewer in vivo assays for metastatic potential have to be performed and multiple variants of similar properties can be easily obtained. One of the most useful strategies for the isolation of tumor cell variants with altered cell surface glycoprotein contents or structures uses lectins, proteins, or glycoproteins that bind to specific oligosaccharide sequences in glycoconjugates.
Internet usage in Sub-Saharan Africa

INTERNET USAGE IN SUB-SAHARA AFRICA Using the Internet in the developed part of the world has become a necessity or a matter of choice. However, for the majority in countries of SubSaharan Africa, Internet usage is still an illusion since Africa has remained the least Internet-connected region in the world (Lishan, 1997). Such digital divide between the developed and developing countries has raised interests and concerns from different parties, ranging from indigenes and governments of these countries to international organizations or agencies. Since such a gap impedes development and progress in these countries, as well as limits the potential of a truly global and competitive e-economy, the need to understand the dynamics of Internet usage in these countries becomes relevant. This chapter discusses Internet usage in Sub-Saharan Africa, citing examples from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. The factors that influence Internet usage in these countries are presented, followed by two general propositions. Furthermore, organizational implications and suggested guidelines for connectivity are discussed, as well as future trends, followed by a conclusion.
Botanical parasitism of an insect by a parasitic plant

We report evidence of a new trophic interaction in nature whereby a parasitic plant attacks multiple species of insects that manipulate plant tissue when the two co-occur on a shared primary host plant. Most plant species are attacked by a great diversity of external and internal herbivores [1]. One common herbivore guild, gall-forming insects, induce tumor-like structures of nutrient-rich plant tissue within which immature insects feed and develop [2,3]. While the gall is made of plant tissue, its growth and development are controlled by the insect and it therefore represents an extended phenotype of the gall former [4]. Typically, parasitic plants attack other plants to gain nutritional requirements by connecting directly to the vascular system of their hosts using modified root structures called haustoria[5]. Here, we document the first observation of a parasitic plant attacking the insect-induced galls of multiple gall-forming species and provide evidence that this interaction negatively affects gall former fitness.
Cytomegalovirus Infection in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Managed by the Preemptive Approach: Estimating the Impact on Healthcare Resource Utilization and Outcomes.

Abstract We quantified cytomegalovirus (CMV) antiviral use and hospital length of stay (LOS) associated with CMV infection in a contemporary cohort of conventional (CONV) and CD34-selected (T cell–depleted) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients managed by preemptive therapy (PET) in a single US center. Adults who received first allogeneic HCT at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from June 2010 through December 2014 were analyzed. Days on PET, number of readmissions, and readmission LOS by day 180 post-HCT were summarized. Estimated unit value (EUV) was defined as the expected number of PET days for a cohort of 100 HCT with characteristics as the analyzed cohort. Standardized incidence ratio was calculated as the ratio of observed outcomes of patients with CMV viremia over the outcomes of patients without CMV viremia. Of 318 patients, 88 received CONV and 230 CD34-selected HCT. Rates of CMV viremia were 26.3% for CONV and 41.9% for CD34-selected (P = .003). Among patients with viremia 68.2% CONV and 97.9% CD34-selected received PET. EUV for PET was 852 days and 2821 days for CONV and CD34-selected, respectively. The standardized incidence ratios for number of readmission and readmission LOS were 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 2.1) and 1.2 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.3), respectively, for CONV HCT and 1.7 (95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1) and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.5 to 1.7), respectively, for CD34-selected HCT. Overall survival was similar between patients with and without CMV viremia by HCT type. CMV end-organ disease was associated with lower overall survival only in CD34-selected HCT (P = .0007). CMV infection managed by PET requires substantial antiviral use and is associated with longer readmission LOS more, particularly among CD34-selected HCT.
Historicizing and authenticating African dress: diaspora double consciousness and narratives of heritage and community

This research examines consumer authentication in the context of African Americans’ consumption practices and discourses of African dress. Through multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork, our work revea...
Successful optimization of antiretroviral regimens in treatment‐experienced people living with HIV undergoing liver transplantation

Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) extends life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH). However, most older PLWH (≥50 years) "aged" with HIV and were exposed to historical HIV care practices and older, more toxic ART. In PLWH with exposure to older and multiple ART regimens, the drug interactions between ART frequently used in treatment-experienced persons and commonly used immunosuppressants remain a significant challenge. However, the advent of newer ART classes (eg, integrase non-strand transfer inhibitors) and more advanced HIV genetic resistance testing may allow optimization of ART regimens with minimal drug interactions. Here, we present a case series of three PLWH whose complicated ART interacted (or was at risk for interacting) with their post-liver transplant immunosuppression. After a review of their proviral DNA resistance testing, they successfully transitioned onto safer integrase non-strand transfer inhibitor-containing ART regimens without viral blips or evidence of organ rejection.
The mechanism by which microorganisms avoid complement attack

The complement system provides a critical level of defense against bacterial invasion. Various microorganisms have evolved a variety of mechanisms to allow them to avoid complement lytic and opsonic activity. These range from the formation of factors that destroy activity of complement proteins to the evolution of surface structures that fail to bind, facilitate degradation of, or shed, complement proteins. The range of factors associated with bacterial complement resistance is reviewed here.
Facilitating engagement with practice: using a practice-based course model for pre-service early childhood teachers

In this paper, an early childhood teacher educator and researcher describes the experience of facilitating and enacting a practice-focused course design for preservice early childhood teachers. The...
Effect of phosphorus and potassium addition on greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient utilization of a rice-fish co-culture system

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aquaculture have gained widespread attention. However, the effect of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on GHG emissions from aquaculture systems has rarely been studied. In this study, we conducted a laboratory-scale experiment to investigate the effect of P and K addition on CH4 and N2O emissions and nutrient use efficiency in a rice-fish co-culture system. The results showed that the CH4 flux rate did not differ between the rice-fish co-culture (RF) and fish monoculture (F) systems. Phosphorus addition did not affect CH4 emission from the RF. In contrast, K addition significantly increased the CH4 emission from the RF by 148.4%. Dual P and K addition greatly increased the CH4 emission from the RF by six times, indicating an interactive effect of P and K on the stimulation of CH4 emission. Phosphorus addition strengthened the restorative effect of the RF on N2O emission, while K addition weakened the restorative effect of the RF on N2O emission. The combination of P and K did not affect the N2O emission from the RF. The application of P and K strengthened the restorative effect of rice on nitrogen (N) pollution in aquaculture water. Phosphorus and K addition significantly increased the rice biomass and nutrient in the harvested rice, but did not affect the fish biomass and nutrient in the harvested fish. Dual P and K addition increased the nutrient use efficiency in the rice-fish system. These results provide a reference for adjusting nutrient management to reduce GHG emissions and improve nutrient use efficiency in the rice-fish system.
A novel integration of scheduling and dynamic wireless charging planning models of battery electric buses

Abstract The development of electromobility along with recent dynamic wireless power transfer technology offers the potential to improve the carbon footprint of public transportation while offering quality services. Existing models for electric bus scheduling cannot adequately capture the dependence among electric bus (EB) battery size, dynamic wireless charging (DWC) infrastructure planning, and fleet size. This study aims to simultaneously optimize the integrated model of EB fleet size and DWC infrastructure planning based on a real-world case study. We have developed a novel Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model to find the optimal EB fleet size, battery capacity, location of transmitters, number of inverters, and total cable length, which adheres to the battery charging restrictions. We conduct a sensitivity analysis to understand the system behavior in response to system robustness, fleet size, battery cost, cable cost, and bus purchase cost. The results show that seven homogeneous EBs carrying a uniform battery size of 18.1 kWh can serve all bus routes with a total cost of $3,683,235 that includes bus purchase cost. The results show that consideration of bus purchase costs in the model can save 4.1% of the total system cost over a lifetime.
Quantifying the Shape of the Greater Sciatic Notch using Elliptical Fourier Analysis

The greater sciatic notch of the coxa is well established as a sexually dimorphic feature in humans, with wider notches being more common in females. However, the size and shape of the notch can vary between populations, which can complicate the use of this feature as a sex determinant in forensic analyses. The current study investigates the relative contributions of variables that may influence the shape of the greater sciatic notch, including sex, ancestry, age at death, and environmental effects (secular change). As the notch is a complex curvilinear shape not easily quantified using standard linear measurements, a more sensitive morphometric approach was used. The study sample included 975 dry bone specimens obtained from three skeletal collections, including three ancestral groups from recent (1950-present) and earlier (pre-1950) time periods. Each coxa was photographed and the contour of the greater sciatic notch was outlined. These contours were uploaded into SHAPE v1.3 and subjected to elliptical ...
Predicting yield-stress anomalies in L12 alloys: Ni3Ge–Fe3Ge pseudo-binaries

Abstract The L12-based pseudo-binary (Ni1 − cFec)3Ge is an ideal system to study yield-strength anomaly and its origin as it has a solid-solution phase vs. c and Ni3Ge exhibits an anomaly while Fe3Ge does not. Using two ab initio electronic-structure techniques, we calculate the planar-fault energies on the γ-surface, i.e., antiphase boundaries (APB) and stacking faults, both complex and superlattice intrinsic (SISF), for (Ni1 − cFec)3Ge as a function of c. Generally, we use the fault energies combined with elasticity theory to predict occurence/loss of the yield-strength anomaly and show that the loss of anomaly occurs due to APB(1 1 1)-to-SISF(1 1 1) instability. Assessing the stability of APB(1 1 1) on the γ-surface within linear elasticity theory, we predict the transition from anomalous to normal temperature dependence of yield strength for c ≳ 0.35 (or 26 at.% Fe), as is observed, after which type-II, rather than type-I, dissociation is energetically favorable. Hence, first-principles calculations can predict reliably the existence/loss of anomalous yield-strength. Finally, we show that (0 0 1) and (1 1 1) APB energies of the binaries and pseudo-binaries agree quantitatively with measured values when chemical antisite disorder, intrinsic to the samples characterized, is included, whereas they are too large by a factor of two in perfect L12. We investigate three types of disorder: thermal and off-stoichiometric antisites, as well as chemical disorder vs. Fe-content in pseudo-binaries.
Pharmacokinetics of midazolam after intravenous administration to horses

SummaryReasons for performing the study Midazolam is used to control seizures in horses and to enhance muscle relaxation, but its pharmacokinetics are unknown. Objective To determine the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of midazolam in horses. Study design Blinded, randomised, crossover design. Methods Midazolam was administered i.v. at either 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg bwt to 6 horses on 2 occasions at least 7 days apart using a crossover design. Blood samples were collected before and at predetermined times through 24 h after administration. Serum midazolam concentrations were determined by a liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry method. Heart and respiratory rates and indices of sedation, ataxia, and sensitivity to stimuli were recorded before and at predetermined times after midazolam administration. Results Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on samples from 5 horses in each group. Median total clearance was 10.6 ml/min/kg (range 6.1–15.2 ml/min/kg) and 10.4 ml/min/kg (range 8.4–17.6 ml/min/kg), and median volume of distribution at steady state was 2094 ml/kg (range 2076–2413 ml/kg) and 2822 ml/kg (range 2270–7064 ml/kg) after the 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg bwt doses, respectively. Median distribution half-life was 24 min (range 6–42 min) and 39 min (range 33.6–72 min) and median terminal half-life was 216 min (range 120–248 min) and 408 min (range 192–924 min) after the 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg bwt doses, respectively. Cardiorespiratory parameters and sedation scores did not change. Midazolam caused agitation, postural sway, weakness, and one horse became recumbent after the 0.1 mg/kg bwt dose. Conclusions Midazolam produces ataxia and postural sway of short duration after i.v. administration to horses. Sedation was not evident after midazolam administration. Drug redistribution is likely the primary mechanism for the termination of effect. Potential relevance Midazolam produces muscle relaxation but not sedation in adult horses.
Learning and Pedagogy in Initial Teacher Preparation

Whitcomb synthesizes the research on initial teacher preparation in a critical review of cognitively oriented studies of new teacher's learning. An overview of research on individual teacher's knowledge is followed by conceptual frameworks used to study learning to teach, defining features of a teaching knowledge base and teacher decision making that supports student learning in culturally inclusive settings. Research on how initial teachers learn to teach writing and the impact of case methodology in teacher preparation is presented. The chapter ends with a critical analysis of the limits of current research and calls for future work that will enhance understanding initial teacher pedagogy and teacher preparation models and programs. Keywords: teacher pedagogy; teacher preparation; teacher training; teaching
The 1993 Flood's Aftermath: Risks, Root Causes, and Lessons for the Future

With losses totaling $19 billion, the recordsetting 1993 flood is the second most costly weather-related disaster in the nation’s history after Hurricane Andrew with $30 billion (Changnon 2004). The physical, economic, and social impacts of that flood have continued to appear years after the event, and they have inspired investigations into regional flooding, the causes of major losses, and other unresolved issues related to the potential for future flooding. This paper addresses four of these post-flood issues, framed as questions arising in the aftermath of the 1993 flood.
The Impacts of a Smoking Ban on Gaming Volume and Customers' Satisfaction in the Casino Industry in South Korea

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv TABLE OF CONTENTS v LIST OF TABLES vii LIST OF FIGURES viii CHAPTER
Contributions of plant molecular systematics to studies of molecular evolution.

Dobzhansky stated that nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. A close corollary, and the central theme of this paper, is that everything makes a lot more sense in the light of phylogeny. Systematics is in the midst of a renaissance, heralded by the widespread application of new analytical approaches and the introduction of molecular techniques. Molecular phylogenetic analyses are now commonplace, and they have provided unparalleled insights into relationships at all levels of plant phylogeny. At deep levels, molecular studies have revealed that charophyte green algae are the closest relatives of the land plants and suggested that liverworts are sister to all other extant land plants. Other studies have suggested that lycopods are sister to all other vascular plants and clarified relationships among the ferns. The impact of molecular phylogenetics on the angiosperms has been particularly dramatic — some of the largest phylogenetic analyses yet conducted have involved the angiosperms. Inferences from three genes (rbcL, atpB, 18S rDNA) agree in the major features of angiosperm phylogeny and have resulted in a reclassification of the angiosperms. This ordinal-level reclassification is perhaps the most dramatic and important change in higher-level angiosperm taxonomy in the past 200 years. At lower taxonomic levels, phylogenetic analyses have revealed the closest relatives of many crops and ‘model organisms’ for studies of molecular genetics, concomitantly pointing to possible relatives for use in comparative studies and plant breeding. Furthermore, phylogenetic information has contributed to new perspectives on the evolution of polyploid genomes. The phylogenetic trees now available at all levels of the taxonomic hierarchy for angiosperms and other green plants should play a pivotal role in comparative studies in diverse fields from ecology to molecular evolution and comparative genetics.
Causes of increasing width of right anterior extrarenal space seen in ultrasonographic examinations

The right anterior extrarenal space is composed of the perirenal fascia, the right anterior perirenal space, the right anterior pararenal space, and the liver capsule. To clarify the probable causes of an increasing width of the right anterior extrarenal space, the width was measured using ultrasonography for a period of 8 months. The right anterior extrarenal space was measured 3 cm from the superior renal pole and the smallest width obtained in several different scan planes was used. In 1,114 ultrasound examinations, 35 patients were found to have an increased width of the right anterior extrarenal space. Among the 35 cases, the common probable causes for such a condition were found in 27 cases. Eight patients had hyperchogenicity in the right pararenal space, a condition considered to be due to an acute inflammation, including acute pancreatitis, acute cecal diverticulitis, acute appendicitis, ischemic bowel, acute cholangitis, liver abscess, and penetrated duodenal ulcer. Chronic inflammations of an adjacent organ, a previous history of laparotomy, a malignancy with peritoneal metastases, and treatment with corticosteroid were considered the causes behind the condition in the 19 patients with normal echogenicity. For the remaining 8 patients, causes were not found during the follow-up period. This study indicates that life-threatening diseases, such as acute or chronic inflammatory diseases and malignancy of the abdomen, could be the cause of an increase in the width of this space.
Nanotube-Based Actuator and Sensor Paradigm: Conceptual Design and Challenges

With the widespread application of mechatronic concepts to dynamic systems in recent years, interest has been focused on the substitution of piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) fibers for conventional electrical motors and actuators. Piezoelectricity effects in elongated and poled PVDF as well as the ferroelectric properties have been observed for a number of decades. Although PVDF copolymers have found diverse uses in industrial applications, such as ultrasonic transducers and vibration damping, their low stiffness and electromechanical coupling coefficients have limited their use. To improve the performance and capability of future automated systems, the development of next generation actuator subsystems utilizing nanotubes is presented. Specifically, the actuation mechanism associated with carbon and boron nitride (BN) nanotube-based actuators, and ultimately manufacturing macro-level actuators compromised of functional nanotubes are discussed in this paper. This exciting area of research is motivated by discovery of bond extension in charged nanotubes. Termed “artificial muscles”, such actuators provide wonderful opportunities in MEMS due to their incredible strength and stiffness, with relatively low (∼10 V) driving voltage. The proposed nanotube-based actuator configuration could be utilized for many applications such as miniature motors, vibration control of flexible structures, micro scale robotic systems, biomedical (drug delivery and tumor removal), and power generation applications.© 2003 ASME
Future of the sixties generation and social theory

The sixties leave a sense of troubling incompleteness and shortcoming alongside that of proud achievement. But if the time has remained difficult to capture, it is also possible that it is not over. The decade itself was perhaps only the beginning of a time of vast change that is not yet fulfilled. Our generation, after all, has only lived into its middle years.... Why conclude that life's most powerful moments are already behind us? If the sixties are not over, it is up to the sixties generation to continue trying to heal our wounds, find our truth, and apply our ideals with a new maturity to our nation's future.'
Effects of variation in autoclave pressure, temperature, and vacuum-application time on porosity and mechanical properties of a carbon fiber/epoxy composite

This article presents results from investigation of the effects of variation in autoclave pressure, temperature, and vacuum-application time on porosity, hot/wet (H/W) and room temperature/dry (RT/...
Cultivating Positive Emotions to Optimize Health and Well-Being

This article develops the hypothesis that intervention strategies that cultivate positive emotions are particularly suited for preventing and treating problems rooted in negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, aggression, and stressrelated health problems. Fredrickson's (1998) broaden–and–build model of positive emotions provides the foundation for this application. According to this model, the form and function of positive and negative emotions are distinct and complementary. Negative emotions (e.g., fear, anger, and sadness) narrow an individual's momentary thought–action repertoire toward specific actions that served the ancestral function of promoting survival. By contrast, positive emotions (e.g., joy, interest, and contentment) broaden an individual's momentary thought–action repertoire, which in turn can build that individual's enduring personal resources, resources that also served the ancestral function of promoting survival. One implication of the broaden–and–build model is that positive emotions have an undoing effect on negative emotions. By broadening the momentary thought–action repertoire, positive emotions loosen the hold that negative emotions gain on an individual's mind and body by undoing the narrowed psychological and physiological preparation for specific action. Indeed, empirical studies have shown that contentment and joy speed recovery from the cardiovascular aftereffects of negative emotions (Fredrickson & Levenson, 1998). Stepping off from these ideas and findings, a range of intervention and coping strategies are reviewed, including relaxation therapies, behavioral therapies aimed at increasing rates of pleasant activities, cognitive therapies aimed at teaching optimism, and coping strategies marked by finding positive meaning. These strategies optimize health and well-being to the extent that they cultivate positive emotions. Cultivated positive emotions not only counteract negative emotions, but also broaden individuals' habitual modes of thinking and build their personal resources for coping.
Soil-geomorphic research — a selective overview

Abstract Much soil-geomorphologic research involves tracking the development of soils with time, otherwise known as soil chronosequences. Most of these have been undertaken on landforms underlain by Quaternary depsits of varying ages. In general, there is a predictable variation in both soil-horizon sequence and amounts of constituents such as clay, Fe, and CaCO 3 with time. The rate at which these constituents accumulate in the soil is a function of parent material, bioclimate and atmospheric dust influx, and because of the latter, soils in aridic regions can form at rapid rates. Profile properties can be used to estimate the ages of deposits and faulting events, but the error on the estimated age can be ±50% or greater. The position of salt accumulations in soil profiles is one of the best indications of climatic change, and these can be modelled to compare with various climatic parameters, present and past. Profile characteristics due to pedogenic thresholds, however, can mimic those due to climatic change, so close dating is necessary to differentiate the effects of both. Soil-geomorphic data are essential to understand the origin of ancient paleosols in the sedimentary rock records, but a major problem still is one of recognition of these features as soils, and to separate the effects of pedogenesis from those of diagenesis.
NFATc1 Targets Cyclin A in the Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Multiplication during Restenosis

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) induced cyclin A expression and CDK2 activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Inhibition of nuclear factors of activated T cell (NFAT) activation by cyclosporin A (CsA) and VIVIT suppressed PDGF-BB-induced cyclin A expression and CDK2 activity, resulting in blockade of VSMC in the G1 phase. In addition, CsA- and VIVIT-mediated inhibition of NFATs and small interfering RNA-targeted down-regulation of cyclin A levels suppressed PDGF-BB-induced VSMC DNA synthesis. PDGF-BB also induced cyclin A mRNA levels in VSMC in an NFAT-dependent manner. Cloning and bioinformatic analysis of rat cyclin A promoter revealed the presence of NFAT-binding elements, and PDGF-BB induced the binding of NFATs to these regulatory sequences in a CsA- and VIVIT-sensitive manner. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that NFATc1 binds to the cyclin A promoter in response to PDGF-BB in a VIVIT-sensitive manner. Furthermore, PDGF-BB induced cyclin A promoter-luciferase reporter gene activity in VSMC, and it was inhibited by both CsA and VIVIT. Balloon injury induced cyclin A expression and CDK2 activity in rat carotid arteries, and these responses were also blocked by VIVIT. In addition, VIVIT attenuated balloon injury-induced SMC proliferation, resulting in reduced restenosis. Down-regulation of NFATc1 by its small interfering RNA inhibited PDGF-BB-induced cyclin A expression and DNA synthesis both in rat and human VSMC. Together, these findings demonstrate that the cyclin A-CDK2 complex may be a potential effector of NFATs, specifically NFATc1, in mediating SMC multiplication leading to neointima formation. Therefore, NFATs may be used as target molecules for the development of therapeutic agents against vascular diseases such as restenosis.
SIMILARITY AVOIDANCE AND THE OCP

It has long been known that verbal roots containing homorganic consonant pairs are rare in Arabic, motivating the existence of an OCP-Place constraint (Obligatory Contour Principle on place of articulation) in the phonological grammar. We explore this constraint using an on-line lexicon of Arabic roots. The strength of the constraint is quantified by the ratio of the observed number of examples of each consonant pair to the number that would be statistically expected under random combination of phonemes. We show that the strength of the effect over all pairs is a gradient function of the similarity of the consonants in the pair. A similarity metric based on natural classes is developed, which solves the formal difficulties of contrastive underspecification theory while preserving the insight that contrastiveness plays an important role in perceived similarity. This metric is applied in an explicit model of the gradient OCP constraint, which achieves a better fit to the regularities and sub-regularities of the Arabic verbal lexicon than any prior approach. Lastly, we review evidence for the psychological reality of the constraint, for its existence in related forms in other languages, and for its cognitive/phonetic foundations in the speech processing system. We argue that the total body of evidence supports a model in which phonetic and cognitive pressures incrementally affect the lexicon, and phonotactic constraints are abstractions over the lexicon of phonological forms.
Localized prostate cancer: brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a treatment for localized prostate cancer that has become popular with physicians and patients. The use and convenience of transrectal ultrasound and transperineal placement of the sources make contemporary forms of this procedure more accurate and more patient-friendly than their predecessors. In addition, the early detection of cancer by the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) makes contemporary tumors more amenable to successful treatment by such a localized technique. Brachytherapy offers cancer control rates at 5 years, as measured by PSA, that seem to be as effective as surgery and external beam therapy. Less information is available for 10 years, and none afterward. The acute urinary morbidity rate of brachytherapy is higher than for external beam therapy, but the late urinary morbidity rate is probably equal. The rectal morbidity rate is less. The risk of erectile impotence is uncertain but not as low as originally hoped. The use of external radiation in combination with brachytherapy may increase 5-year tumor control rates but is substantially more expensive and likely carries an increased risk of morbidity. Newer forms of brachytherapy such as magnetic resonance-guided and high-dose-rate temporary implants have vocal advocates but a shorter track record and fewer published prospective studies. Their use remains investigational. Therefore, prostate brachytherapy remains a reasonable option for men with early stage disease, but there remain unanswered questions regarding long-term efficacy and morbidity.
Requirements for a New Universal Air Traffic Control Simulator

This paper summarizes the role of dynamic simulation to date in helping solve current and future air-traffic control and navigation problems, and in evaluating proposed system concepts, control philosophies, procedures and equipments. A brief description is given of the CAA Technical Development Center's electromechanical -optical simulator, and some of its present limitations are outlined. Some of the more important requirements for a new universal simulator are presented and discussed both in terms of their necessity and their technical feasibility in view of the present state of the art. The requirements are broken down into four areas: target generation, communications, displays, and data reduction and analysis. These areas are viewed both from the standpoints of realism and its effect on simulation and from the standpoint of objectivity vs subjectivity in establishing meaningful criteria for evaluation. The paper concludes with a summary of those items still requiring further study.
Myofiber damage accompanying intramuscular parasitism by Sarcocystis muris.

Abstract Myofiber degeneration which results from Sarcocystis infection exhibits a number of fine structural features suggestive of other myopathies and several welldefined fine structural features not characteristic of other myopathies. Some of these fine structural features are similar to those observed in intramuscular infections of Trichinella spiralis, another muscle parasite. Major alterations of the myofibrillar contractile apparatus occur at the periphery of the membrane bound parasitophorous vacuole which include splitting and fragmentation of the myofibrils at the longitudinal ends of the parasitophorous vacuole and Z line dissolution at the radial periphery. Membranous structural elements including mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum and T system components become disarrayed as the myofibrils degenerate. Some minor hypertrophy of the sarcoplasmic reticulum occurs in conjunction with initial fragmentation of the myofibrils but no major dilation or hypertrophy has been observed. There is a distinctive membranous organization of the interface of the parasitophorous vacuole. The presence of pycnotic and fragmenting nuclei, sarcolemmal invaginations with accompanying fibrous connective tissue invasion and large areas of undifferentiated cytoplasm suggest the ultimate necrosis and destruction of infected myofibers. The similarity between morphological features of myofibrillar degeneration accompanying intramuscular Sarcocystis muris infections and those associated with a variety of myopathies resulting from other causes suggests that a common mechanism of muscle response to damage might result in the observed structural degeneration.
Restrictions on the Strain-Energy Function for an Elastic Material

Conditions are obtained for the incremental shear modulus to be positive for small simple shear superposed on a pure homogeneous deformation of an elastic material, the direction and plane of shear being parallel to a principal direction and principal plane respectively. Results are obtained for an isotropic elastic material and for a transversely isotropic elastic material in which the axis of rotational symmetry is in a principal direction of the pure homogeneous deformation. For an isotropic material, it is shown that the Baker-Ericksen condition on the strain-energy function follows from the assumption that the incremental shear modulus is positive. A number of further conditions that have been proposed are shown to be unacceptable.
Chronic prenatal cocaine treatment down-regulates μ-opioid receptor mRNA expression in the brain of fetal Rhesus Macaque

Abstract Ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) were performed to quantify μ -opioid receptor mRNA expression in specific brain regions of day 70 Rhesus Macaque fetuses that were exposed to cocaine (3 mg/kg) or saline from days 22–70 of gestation. The content of μ -receptor mRNA was high in the diencephalon and moderate in the mesencephalon. In contrast, μ -receptor mRNA was lightly expressed in areas such as the frontal cortex, striatum and the temporal lobe. The content of μ -opioid receptor mRNA was significantly higher in the diencephalon than in other brain regions ( P n =4). Cocaine exposure significantly decreased the expression of μ -receptor mRNA in the fetal diencephalon ( P n =4 in each group). Our data would indicate that prolonged gestational cocaine exposure causes μ -opioid receptor mRNA down-regulation in specific brain regions of the fetus.
Actin-Myosin Spatial Patterns from a Simplified Isotropic Viscoelastic Model

F-actin networks are involved in cell mechanical processes ranging from motility to endocytosis. The mesoscale architecture of assemblies of individual F-actin polymers that gives rise to micrometer-scale rheological properties is poorly understood, despite numerous in vivo and vitro studies. In vitro networks have been shown to organize into spatial patterns when spatially confined, including dense spherical shells inside spherical emulsion droplets. Here we develop a simplified model of an isotropic, compressible, viscoelastic material continually assembling and disassembling. We demonstrate that spherical shells emerge naturally when the strain relaxation rate (corresponding to internal network reorganization) is slower than the disassembly rate (corresponding to F-actin depolymerization). These patterns are consistent with recent experiments, including a collapse of shells to a central high-density focus of F-actin when either assembly or disassembly is reduced with drugs. Our results demonstrate how complex spatio-temporal patterns can emerge without spatially distributed force generation, polar alignment of F-actin polymers, or spatially nonuniform regulation of F-actin by upstream biochemical networks.