cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MO-F-211-05: GPU Computation for Voxelwise Kinetic Modeling of Hepatic Perfusion

Purpose: To accelerate computation speed of time‐consuming voxelwise hepatic perfusion estimation from dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging using graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware, thus facilitating high resolution DCE analysis of large tissue regions for perfusion assessment. Methods: Voxelwise perfusion estimation for large tissue regions are assigned to a GPU for parallel computation with a CUDA block for one voxel computation. The Nelder‐Mead simplex algorithm for the nonlinear least squares fitting of a hepatic kinetic model is executed in each block. To compute the convolution in the cost function in frequency domain, the general Cooley‐Tukey algorithm with the radix‐2 inverse FFT is implemented in a block. The algorithms are programmed using CUDA 3.2 on the GPU of NVIDA's Tesla C2050. Simulated dynamic curves are used to evaluate the GPU implementation. The computation time of the GPU perfusion estimation per voxel is compare with that from a CPU. By varying the number of time points in the dynamic curves, we also examine the performance improvement with respect to the share memory usage. Results: The perfusion estimation with single precision float GPU computation has accuracy of greater than 99% of the truth. The GPU implementation is approximately 30 times faster than the CPU computation for the number of voxels greater than 100. The result also shows less share memory usage produces higher performance. Conclusions: We implement the voxelwise hepatic perfusion estimation from DCE imaging on GPU, which significantly accelerates the computation speed. Further optimization of the GPU codes, such as share memory usage, will improve the performance. The GPU programs are valuable for a study of liver perfusion after irradiation as well as useful for other DCE imagingmodeling for high performance The work is supported in part by PO1CA59827 and RO1CA132834.
Shifting Paradigms: Sociological Presentations of Race

Paradigms allow people to understand the world from various viewpoints, target specific audiences, define problems of study and methodological directives, and imply solutions in the real world. This article provides a brief history of theories of race and race relations, noting that racial paradigms in mainstream sociology have rarely been displaced by radically different ones. Until the 1960s, “new” paradigms appeared as repackaged perspectives with the same background assumptions. In this work, the authors juxtapose the viewpoints of social theorists writing from within the accepted (White “malestream”) canon against the writings of some who until recently have been excluded from the traditional canon. Reading theories from margin to center allows one to rethink the important features of a Black race paradigm that challenges prevailing theories and their background assumptions. This paradigm is characterized by democratic rhetoric, systematic research, and a call for social reform.
Efficient estimates in linear and nonlinear regression with heteroscedastic errors

Abstract In this paper we consider the heteroscedastic regression model defined by the structural relation Y = r ( V , β ) + s ( W ) e , where V is a p -dimensional random vector, W is a q -dimensional random vector, β is an unknown vector in some open subset B of R m , r is a known function from R p × B into R, s is an unknown function on R q , and e is an unobservable random variable that is independent of the pair ( V , W ). We construct asymptotically efficient estimates of the regression parameter β under mild assumptions on the functions r and s and on the distributions of e and ( V , W ).
Comment: How not to save the planet

Planning how to deflect an asteroid on collision course for Earth is a sensible precaution – but not the way NASA plans to do it, says Clark Chapman .
Potent antitumor effects of combination therapy with IFNs and monocytes in mouse models of established human ovarian and melanoma tumors

Interferon-activated monocytes are known to exert cytocidal activity against tumor cells in vitro. Here, we have examined whether a combination of IFN-α2a and IFN-γ and human monocytes mediate significant antitumor effects against human ovarian and melanoma tumor xenografts in mouse models. OVCAR-3 tumors were treated i.t. with monocytes alone, IFN-α2a and IFN-γ alone or combination of all three on day 0, 15 or 30 post-tumor implantation. Mice receiving combination therapy beginning day 15 showed significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival including complete regression in 40% mice. Tumor volumes measured on day 80 in mice receiving combination therapy (206 mm3) were significantly smaller than those of mice receiving the IFNs alone (1,041 mm3), monocytes alone (1,111 mm3) or untreated controls (1,728 mm3). Similarly, combination therapy with monocytes and IFNs of much larger tumor also inhibited OVCAR-3 tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry studies showed a large number of activated macrophages (CD31+/CD68+) infiltrating into OVCAR-3 tumors and higher densities of IL-12, IP10 and NOS2, markers of M1 (classical) macrophages in tumors treated with combination therapy compared to the controls. Interestingly, IFNs-activated macrophages induced apoptosis of OVCAR-3 tumor cells as monocytes alone or IFNs alone did not mediate significant apoptosis. Similar antitumor activity was observed in the LOX melanoma mouse model, but not as profound as seen with the OVCAR-3 tumors. Administration of either mixture of monocytes and IFN-α2a or monocytes and IFN-γ did not inhibit Lox melanoma growth; however, a significant inhibition was observed when tumors were treated with a mixture of monocytes, IFN-α2a and IFN-γ. These results indicate that monocytes and both IFN-α2a and IFN-γ may be required to mediate profound antitumor effect against human ovarian and melanoma tumors in mouse models.
Initiation via Haloboration in Living Cationic Polymerization. 4. The Polymerization of α-Methylstyrene

he polymerization of α-methylstyrene was studied in the absence of a separately added cationogen (i.e., initiator) and in the presence of a proton trap, using boron halides (BX 3 , X = Cl, Br, and I). The effect of the monomer and BX 3 concentration, solvent polarity, and temperature was examined. The polymerization rates increased with decreasing temperature and with increasing solvent polarity. The molecular weight (M n ) of the products also increased with decreasing temperature; however it was relatively independent of solvent polarity. Under identical conditions the M n 's were highest with BCl 3 , lower with BBr 3 , and lowest with BI 3 . Kinetic experiments support that initiation is by haloboration, but direct proof was only obtained for BI 3 . For polymers made with BI 3 the presence of one boron per chain was confirmed by elemental analysis, while the high M n 's obtained with BCl 3 and BBr 3 prevented quantitative analysis of head and end groups.
A Novel Enzymatic Rearrangement

Human Fe(II)-α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases are a diverse enzyme family involved in a number of biological processes, from collagen biosynthesis to transcription. In this issue, Leung et al. (2010) add a new reaction to their ever-expanding catalytic repertoire.
Use of azithromycin for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

Objective Since preventive therapies for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are limited we treated preterm infants with azithromycin to decrease the incidence of BPD. Methods Infants less than 1,250 g birth weight were randomized to azithromycin or placebo within 12 hr of beginning mechanical ventilation and within 72 hr of birth. The treatment group received azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day for 7 days followed by 5 mg/kg/day for a maximum of 6 weeks. Aspirates were collected during the study to assay for Ureaplasma. The primary endpoints were incidence of BPD or mortality. (Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00319956.) Results A total of 220 infants were enrolled (n = 111 azithromycin, and 109 placebo). Mortality was 18% for the azithromycin group versus 22% for the placebo group (P = 0.45). Incidence of BPD was 76% for the azithromycin group versus 84% for the placebo group (P = 0.2). The multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated an odds ratio of 0.46 decrease in the chance of developing BPD or death for the azithromycin group, but was not statistically significant. The incidence of BPD in the Ureaplasma subgroup was 73% in the azithromycin group versus 94% in the placebo group (P = 0.03). Analysis of patients in the Ureaplasma subgroup only, using the exact logistic model demonstrated a decrease in BPD or death in the azithromycin group with an estimated odds ratio of 0.026 (0.001–0.618, 95% confidence interval). Conclusions Routine use of azithromycin therapy for the prevention of BPD cannot be recommended. The early treatment of Ureaplasma colonized/infected patients might be beneficial, but a larger multi-centered trial is required to assess this more definitively. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:111–118. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Design and performance of the tip-tilt subsystem for the Keck II telescope adaptive optics system

A tip-tilt control system has been built as part of the adaptive optics system for the Keck II telescope on Mauna Kea in Hawaii. This system is used to correct for wavefront tip-tilt when the adaptive optics system is in the laser guide star mode, and it uses a natural star as the reference. The system consists of a tip-tilt sensor, fast steering mirror, and digital controller. The tip-tilt sensor is based on a quadrant lens assembly with fiber-optics coupling to four photon counting silicon avalanche photodiodes. The fast steering mirror mount has three PZT actuators with position sensor, and an 8 inch Silicon Carbide lightweight mirror. The controller accommodates a range of integration times, and includes automatic light level control, and an adaptive control algorithm which optimizes control performance with changing tilt star image sizes. The design and performance characteristics of a tip- tilt control system for the Keck II telescope are presented.
Improved impedance matrix localization method (EM problems)

Moment method calculations have the well-known limitations of requiring excessive storage and execution times for even modestly large electromagnetics problems. The impedance matrix localization (IML) method was introduced as a modification to standard moment method calculations to ease these limitations. It utilizes a matrix transformation which effectively changes the basis (testing) functions into ones resembling traveling waves. An improved method that uses an orthogonal transformation to generate standing-wave-like basis functions is presented here. Remarkable improvements are achieved in the numerical stability of the method and in its compatibility with iterative solvers. Furthermore, the correspondence of the large elements in this matrix to geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) terms is strengthened, as is the possibility of further increasing the speed of iterative solutions by constructing preconditioners based on the pattern of nonzero matrix elements. >
Iron chelation inhibits the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. Because iron is an important regulator of ROS biology, this study examined the effects of iron chelation on the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling. The administration of an iron chelator, deferoxamine, to rats prevented chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Various iron chelators inhibited the growth of cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Protein carbonylation, an important iron-dependent biological event, was promoted in association with pulmonary vascular remodeling and cell growth. A proteomic approach identified that Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor (a negative regulator of RhoA) is carbonylated. In human plasma, the protein carbonyl content was significantly higher in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension than in healthy controls. These results suggest that iron plays an important role in the ROS-dependent mechanism underlying the development of pulmonary hypertension.
Activation of Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand Gene Expression by 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Is Mediated through Multiple Long-Range Enhancers

RANKL is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like factor secreted by mesenchymal cells, osteoblast derivatives, and T cells that is essential for osteoclastogenesis. In osteoblasts, RANKL expression is regulated by two major calcemic hormones, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and parathyroid hormone (PTH), as well as by several inflammatory/osteoclastogenic cytokines; the molecular mechanisms for this regulation are unclear. To identify such mechanisms, we screened a DNA microarray which tiled across the entire mouse RankL gene locus at a 50-bp resolution using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-derived DNA precipitated with antibodies to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the retinoid X receptor (RXR). Five sites of dimer interaction were observed on the RankL gene centered at 16, 22, 60, 69, and 76 kb upstream of the TSS. These regions contained binding sites for not only VDR and RXR, but also the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The most distant of these regions, termed the distal control region (RL-DCR), conferred both VDR-dependent 1,25(OH)2D3 and GR-dependent glucocorticoid (GC) responses. We mapped these activities to an unusual but functionally active vitamin D response element and to several potential GC response elements located over a more extensive region within the RL-DCR. An evolutionarily conserved region within the human RANKL gene contained a similar vitamin D response element and exhibited an equivalent behavior. Importantly, hormonal activation of the RankL gene was also associated with chromatin modification and RNA polymerase II recruitment. Our studies demonstrate that regulation of RankL gene expression by 1,25(OH)2D3 is complex and mediated by at least five distal regions, one of which contains a specific element capable of mediating direct transcriptional activation.
Conducting Research with Meta-Analysis: A New Direction for Gifted Education:

Developing and validating new theories in gifted education is often limited by two factors: imprecise measurement and small numbers of subjects. The author asserts that the meta-analysis procedure ...
3-D graphics applications in fluid flow simulations

The Fluid Dynamics Division of the NASA Ames Research Center is using high performance interactive computer graphics to help visualize flow fields from computer simulations of fluid dynamics about vehicles such as the space shuttle. In current configurations, computational solutions of the flow field are obtained from Cray supercomputers. These solutions are then transferred to workstations for creation and interactive viewing of dynamics 3-D displays of the flow fields. Specific animated sequences can be created for viewing on the workstation or for recording on video tape of 16 mm movies with the aid of specialized software that permits easy editing and automatic tweening of the sequences. The software and hardware required to generate and record these displays are detailed. >
Kinetics of the Interaction of myo1c with Phosphoinositides

myo1c is a single-headed myosin that dynamically links membranes to the actin cytoskeleton. A putative pleckstrin homology domain has been identified in the myo1c tail that binds phosphoinositides and soluble inositol phosphates with high affinity. However, the kinetics of association and dissociation and the influence of phospholipid composition on the kinetics have not been determined. Stopped-flow spectroscopy was used to measure the binding and dissociation of a recombinant myo1c construct containing the tail and regulatory domains (myo1c(IQ-tail)) to and from 100-nm diameter large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). We found the time course of association of myo1c(IQ-tail) with LUVs containing 2% phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) followed a two-exponential time course, and the rate of the predominant fast phase depended linearly upon the total lipid concentration. The apparent second-order rate constant was approximately diffusion-limited. Increasing the molar ratio of anionic phospholipid by adding phosphatidylserine, additional PtdIns(4,5)P(2), or by situating PtdIns(4,5)P(2) in a more physiologically relevant lipid background increased the apparent association rate constant less than 2-fold. myo1c(IQ-tail) dissociated from PtdIns(4,5)P(2) at a slower rate (2.0 s(-1)) than the pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase C-delta (13 s(-1)). The presence of additional anionic phospholipid reduced the myo1c(IQ-tail) dissociation rate constant >50-fold but marginally changed the dissociation rate of phospholipase C-delta, suggesting that additional electrostatic interactions in myo1c(IQ-tail) help to stabilize binding. Remarkably, high concentrations of soluble inositol phosphates induce dissociation of myo1c(IQ-tail) from LUVs, suggesting that phosphoinositides are able to bind to and dissociate from myo1c(IQ-tail) as it remains bound to the membrane.
A New Probe for Measurement of Velocity and Wall Shear Stress in Unsteady, Reversing Flow

Separated turbulent flows exhibit instantaneous reversals of flow direction which make measurement of the velocity field extremely difficult. A three-wire heat-tracer technique has been employed to measure streamwise velocity of a low-speed air flow very near a smooth, solid wall; the wall shear stress is calculated using a similarity hypothesis. Initial results presented show the evolution of average wall shear stress and rms fluctuation intensity of wall shear stress in a reattaching 2-D flow downstream of a backward-facing step.
Coupled Thermomechanical Multiscale Modeling of Alumina Ceramics to Predict Thermally Induced Fractures Under Laser Heating

This study is concerned with thermally induced fractures and failure of high weight percentage alumina ceramics. A 3D coupled thermomechanical multiscale model has been developed to simulate thermally induced fractures. In laser heating of alumina ceramics, the temperature and stress distributions have been predominantly correlated with the interfacial glass phase within alumina microstructure. A coupled thermomechanical analysis with traction–separation law has been implemented in the finite element framework as a cohesive zone model (CZM). The alumina grains are modeled as thermomechanical continuum elements separated by CZM. A thermal and mechanical analysis has been conducted using Molecular Dynamics methods to obtain the thermal conductivities and parameterize traction–separation laws for the interface of alumina ceramics at different temperatures. The coupled thermal-mechanical analysis achieved through a finite element model in Abaqus is compared with experimental results in laser-heating tests. The model is successful in predicting temperature distributions and thermal fractures, which could help assist in selecting proper conditions in alumina applications and fabrication processes.
Myths of Nature: Culture and the Social Construction of Risk

Western cultures are engaged in a highly contentious debate involving the identification, assessment, and management of risks to the environment and to public health and safety. Daily claims of new dangers in the food, air, and water we consume, the chemicals, energy, and substances we use, and the products, processes, and artifacts that support us are exacerbating public fears regarding environmental and health hazards. Most research on the perception and communication of risk has focused on possible harms, largely ignoring the cultural contexts in which hazards are framed and debated, and in which risk taking and risk perception occur. This article argues that, while individuals perceive risks and have concerns, it is culture that provides socially constructed myths about nature—systems of belief that are reshaped and internalized by persons, becoming part of their worldview and influencing their interpretation of natural phenomena.
General Design Principles for Resilience and Adaptive Capacity in Legal Systems: Applications to Climate Change Adaptation Law

No force has put more pressure on the legal system than is likely to be exerted as climate change begins to disrupt the settled expectations of humans. Demands on the legal system will be intense and long-term, but is the law up to the task? If it is, it will at least in part be because the legal system proves to be resilient and adaptive. The question this Article explores, therefore, is how to think about designing legal instruments and institutions now with confidence they will be resilient and adaptive to looming problems as massive, variable, and long-term in scale as climate change. Drawing from the body of resilience theory forged in natural and social sciences, this Article is the first to synthesize resilience theory in a framework relevant to lawyers and explore the general design principles it suggests for legal systems. Part I examines resilience - what it is and how to design for it in legal systems. It examines the normative dimensions of resilience and makes important distinctions between resilience of legal systems, resilience of laws they produce, and resilience of the other social and natural systems law addresses. Part II provides the theoretical context and design principles for adaptive capacity, focusing on adaptive management theory as an example for legal design. Part III suggests applications of these general principles to the challenge of designing law for responding to climate change, arguing that climate change adaptation law should draw from theories of adaptive management, dynamic federalism, new governance, and trans-governmental networks.
A fast nearest-neighbor algorithm based on a principal axis search tree

A new fast nearest-neighbor algorithm is described that uses principal component analysis to build an efficient search tree. At each node in the tree, the data set is partitioned along the direction of maximum variance. The search algorithm efficiently uses a depth-first search and a new elimination criterion. The new algorithm was compared to 16 other fast nearest-neighbor algorithms on three types of common benchmark data sets including problems from time series prediction and image vector quantization. This comparative study illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of all of the leading algorithms. The new algorithm performed very well on all of the data sets and was consistently ranked among the top three algorithms.
A graph theoretic approach for channel assignment in cellular networks

We define a cellular assignment graph to model the channel assignment problem in a cellular network where overlapping cell segments are included in the model. Our main result is the Capacity-Demand Theorem which shows a channel assignment function is always possible unless there is a connected subregion of cells and overlap segments containing more channel requests then the total capacity of all transceivers within or on the boundary of the subregion and covering any part of the subregion with an overlapping segment. We further describe the simplicity and regularity of our proposed cellular assignment graphs and their accessibility for simulation and theoretical investigation without artifacts from the overall geographical region boundaries.
Occurrence of UV-Absorbing, Mycosporine-Like Compounds among Cyanobacterial Isolates and an Estimate of Their Screening Capacity

A survey of 20 strains of cyanobacteria (belonging to 13 genera) isolated from habitats exposed to strong insolation revealed that 13 strains contained one or more water-soluble, UV-absorbing, mycosporine amino acid (MAA)-like compounds. Some of the compounds were identical in several strains. In all, 13 distinct compounds were found. The UV absorption spectra of MAAs complemented well that of the extracellular sunscreen pigment scytonemin, which many of the strains also produced. Even though the specific MAA contents were variable among strains, they were invariably higher when the cultures were grown with UV radiation than when it was absent. In five strains tested, the MAA complement accumulated as a solute in the cytoplasmic cell fraction. The sunscreen capacities of MAA and scytonemin and their combined capacity were estimated for each strain and condition on the basis of the specific contents, cell size, and cellular location of the compounds. The estimates suggested that significant, albeit not complete, protection from UV photodamage could be gained from the possession of either MAA or scytonemin but especially from simultaneous screening by both types of compounds.
Some Thoughts On Human Nature and Its Control: I Am My Neighbor and My Neighbor Is Me

The classic controversy of free will versus determinism and its relation to the control of human behavior are discussed in terms of my experience as a Mennonite, as a researcher, as a participant in an alternative lifestyle experiment, and as an explorer of human consciousness. The concept of control as espoused by the behavioral tradition became less clearly discernable as I reflected on changes in my lifestyles and ideals, the relationship between politics and behavior modification, and "the other worlds of non-ordinary reality ". A reference to events beyond our individual efforts-the "enlarge- ment"-is imperative if we are to understand the present frame with any clear focus. Essentially, the notion that one human being controls another, or any aspect of the environment, becomes mcreasmgly meanmgless as the enlargement grows further from the experimental laboratory Moreover, a failure to perceive this may reveal an ego- centrism that is potentially hazardous not only to our interpersonal relationships...
Religiosity and Perceived Rewards of Black and White Caregivers

Using data from a larger study of caregivers of the elderly, this study explores the extent to which religiosity variables function as mediators of the effects of situational/demographic factors on perceived caregiver rewards. In the parent project, random digit dialing was used to select 136 Black and 255 White caregivers of community-dwelling elders for face-to-face interviews. Regression analyses revealed that Black caregivers perceived higher levels of rewards than Whites and the relationship between race and perceived rewards was mediated by comfort from religion and prayer. Blacks and Whites with more education reported fewer perceived rewards than caregivers with less education.
Low velocity transverse impact behavior of 8-ply, graphite-epoxy laminates

This work discusses the behavior of eight-ply, quasi-isotropic, graphite epoxy laminates subjected to low velocity transverse impact loading. Large deflection theory of plates was used to predict the load-deflection characteristics during the impact event. The impact model considered that the indentation, flexural and shear stiffnesses could be represented by three-equivalent springs in series. The analysis of static and dynamic impact loading test-data concluded that the membrane parameter, beta, used in flexural stiffness relation was proportional to the square of the coefficient of restitution, e, of the impactor. Use of beta=0.443 e-squared was made in load-deflection relations to consider the drop in plate stiffness due to delamination. The results of impact tests up to impact velocity 5.3 m/sec. were found in close agreement with the predictions.
Changing climate response in near-treeline bristlecone pine with elevation and aspect

In the White Mountains of California, eight bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) tree-ring width chronologies were developed from trees at upper treeline and just below upper treeline along North- and South-facing elevational transects from treeline to ~90 m below. There is evidence for a climate-response threshold between approximately 60–80 vertical m below treeline, above which trees have shown a positive growth-response to temperature and below which they do not. Chronologies from 80 m or more below treeline show a change in climate response and do not correlate strongly with temperature-sensitive chronologies developed from trees growing at upper treeline. Rather, they more closely resemble lower elevation precipitation-sensitive chronologies. At the highest sites, trees on South-facing slopes grow faster than trees on Northfacing slopes. High growth rates in the treeline South-facing trees have declined since the mid1990s. This suggests the possibility that the climate-response of the highest South-facing trees may have changed and that temperature may no longer be the main limiting factor for growth on the South aspect. These results indicate that increasing warmth may lead to a divergence between tree growth and temperature at previously temperature-limited sites.
A complete and parametrically continuous kinematic model for robot manipulators

A kinematic modeling convention for robot manipulators is proposed. The kinematic model is named for its completeness and parametric continuity (CPC) properties. Parametric continuity of the CPC model is achieved by adopting a singularity-free line representation consisting of four line parameters. Completeness is achieved through adding two link parameters to allow arbitrary placement of link coordinate frames. The transformations from the world frame to the base frame and from the last link frame to the tool frame can be modeled with the same modeling convention used for internal link transformations. Since all the redundant parameters in the CPC model can be systematically eliminated, a linearized robot error model can be constructed in which all error parameters are independent and span the entire geometric error space. The focus is on model construction, mappings between the CPC model and the Denavit-Hartenberg model, the study of the model properties, and its application to robot kinematic calibration. >
Advancing the Vincentian Tradition through Strategic Service and Research

This article reveals how St. John’s University implemented mission-focused programs to advance its unique Catholic perspective, that of the Vincentian tradition to serve the poor and remedy social inequities. Heeding the 1986 call of Pope John Paul II to Vincentian institutions, all levels of the university from incoming freshmen to the board of trustees have embraced the Pope’s message to serve the poor and needy. Major program initiatives have included an expanded and enriched academic service-learning (ASL) program with a Discover New York service component for all incoming freshmen; the creation of a Vincentian Institute for Social Action to coordinate student and faculty service and research efforts with community partners; the establishment of a 4-year undergraduate Ozanam Scholar Program to engage students in extensive service and research under faculty mentorship; sustainable collaborations with community partners whose mission focus is compatible with the Vincentian perspective; and a dedicated effort to measure program impact through outcomes-based quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Religiously affiliated institutions may find program components and organizational strategies to be beneficial in their own work in serving the poor, needy, and disenfranchised.
The Physician as Storyteller

By being attuned to character, not just through appearance but particularly through dialogue, we will remember the voice of the patient, even though it is the voice of medicine that we record in th...
Microbial survival in the stratosphere and implications for global dispersal

Spores of Bacillus subtilis were exposed to a series of stratosphere simulations. In total, five distinct treatments measured the effect of reduced pressure, low temperature, high desiccation, and intense ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on stratosphere-isolated and ground-isolated B. subtilis strains. Environmental conditions were based on springtime data from a mid-latitude region of the lower stratosphere (20 km). Experimentally, each treatment consisted of the following independent or combined conditions: −70°C, 56 mb, 10–12% relative humidity and 0.00421, 5.11, and 54.64 W/m2 of UVC (200–280 nm), UVB (280–315 nm), UVA (315–400 nm), respectively. Bacteria were deposited on metal coupon surfaces in monolayers of ~1 × 106 spores and prepared with palagonite (particle size < 20 μm). After 6 h of exposure to the stratosphere environment, 99.9% of B. subtilis spores were killed due to UV irradiation. In contrast, temperature, desiccation, and pressure simulations without UV had no effect on spore viability up through 96 h. There were no differences in survival between the stratosphere-isolated versus ground-isolated B. subtilis strains. Inactivation of most bacteria in our simulation indicates that the stratosphere can be a critical barrier to long-distance microbial dispersal and that survival in the upper atmosphere may be constrained by UV irradiation.
A Review of Microbiology Experiments & Lab Techniques with CD-ROM

Review of : Microbiology Experiments & Lab Techniques with CD-ROM; Gary Alderson; (2008). Eagle Visions Editions, Vista CA. 348 pages (with appendices, accompanying Microbiology Prep Handbook, and index, 164 pages).
THE SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND PHOSPHORUS CONTENTS OF TREE SPECIES GROWN IN CLOSE STANDS

Summary The percentages of sodium, potassium and phosphorus on a dry weight and ash basis at different positions in the boles and canopies of a number of trees from three experimental areas are given. The total weights of sodium, potassium and phosphorus in the individual trees and in the tree crop are estimated. Comparisons are made of the sodium, potassium and phosphorus contents of the various components of the ecosystems in different woodland types. The balance of nutrients in woodlands is discussed in relation to the need for soil conservation. We should like to express our gratitude to the Forestry Commission who allowed us to sample the trees in the experimental plots. Unfortunately, it is not possible to include all the primary data that have been collected but they can be obtained on application to the Nature Conservancy or to the authors.
PASSIVE IMMUNITY AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER

Abstract Most of the common forms of childhood cancer are either very rare in infancy or, if they do occur in early life, have a much better prognosis than in older children. An analysis of clinical and epidemiological evidence relating age to incidence, prognosis, histology, radiosensitivity, and other features suggests that this may be due to immunological factors. In infancy such factors are more likely to be associated with passive rather than with active immunity.
Subfrontal recurrence of medulloblastoma.

Summary: The authors describe a series of patients with focal recurrence of medulloblastoma along the floor of the anterior cranial fossa, a site that is remote from the primary tumor.
Frequency of recent cocaine and alcohol use affects drug craving and associated responses to stress and drug-related cues.

Summary Rationale Stress is known to increase drug craving, associated physiological arousal and risk of relapse in drug dependent individuals. However, it is unclear whether these responses are altered by recent frequency of drug use. The current study examined whether frequency of cocaine and alcohol abuse alters drug craving and associated arousal with laboratory exposure to stress and to drug related cues. Methods Fifty-four recently abstinent treatment-seeking cocaine abusers who were part of a study on stress and drug craving were categorized into high- and low-frequency users on the basis of their recent cocaine use. The high use cocaine group also consumed significantly more alcohol than the low use cocaine group. Participants were exposed to a brief 5-min guided imagery procedure that involved imagining a recent personal stressful situation, a personal drug-related situation and a neutral-relaxing situation, one imagery session on separate days presented in random order. Subjective (craving and anxiety), cardiovascular (heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)) and biochemical (adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, prolactin) measures were assessed. Results High-frequency abusers demonstrated a significantly greater drug craving, anxiety and associated cardiovascular and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) response to both stress and drug-cue exposure as compared to low-frequency abusers. Conclusions Increased frequency of recent cocaine and alcohol use is associated with an enhanced stress and cue-induced drug craving and arousal response that appears to be similar to the effects of cocaine, and one that may increase the vulnerability to drug-seeking behavior and relapse in drug dependent individuals.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

WHY: Sleep is critical to health and sense of well-being. However, normal aging changes, medical problems, psychiatric problems, and psychosocial issues can alter the pattern and quality of sleep as one grows older, and, thus affect the quality of life in the older adult. Assessment of sleep patterns enables the nurse to intervene immediately by implementing interventions with the client, or by referring the client for further assessment. BEST TOOL: While simply asking a person, “How is your sleep?” can give some information, the use of an assessment tool assists in finding the cause of the sleep disturbance. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an effective instrument used to measure excessive sleepiness or excessive daytime sleepiness. The ESS differentiates between average sleep and significant issues with sleepiness that require intervention. The client self-rates on how likely it is that he/she would doze in eight different situations. Scoring of the answers is 0-3, with 0 being “would never doze” and 3 being “high chance of dozing”. A sum of 9 or more from the eight individual scores reflects “very sleepy and should seek medical advice” (Johns, 1991). TARGET POPULATION: The ESS may be used for both initial assessment and ongoing comparative measurements with older adults across the health care continuum. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY: There is a high level of internal consistency between the eight items in the ESS as measured by Cronbach’s alpha, ranging from 0.73 to 0.88. Numerous studies using the ESS have supported high validity and reliability. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The ESS is a subjective measure of sleepiness. Self-reporting by clients can empower the client, but can reflect inaccurate information if the client has difficulty understanding what is written, or cannot see or physically write out responses. Moreover, the scale is presented in English and has not been tested in other languages. The scale can be adapted to enable the client to respond verbally to items on the scale by having the nurse read the statements to the client.
Status of the darht 2nd axis accelerator at the Los Alamos national laboratory

The Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility (DARHT) was constructed at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a radiographic facility to provide dual-axis multi-time radiography to support the US Stockpile Stewardship Program. The DARHT 1st Axis has been operational since 1999 and has been providing excellent radiographs. The DARHT 2nd Axis construction project was completed in early 2003. However, during the subsequent commissioning efforts to bring it to the full specifications of 17 MeV, 2 kA and 2 microsecond pulse length, high voltage breakdown was observed in several of the 78 induction accelerator cells. In January 2004, the DARHT 2nd Axis Refurbishment and Commissioning Project was launched. It is a Los Alamos National Laboratory effort in collaboration with the Lawrence Livermore and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories. Its purpose is to first address the HV breakdown problems with the 2nd Axis accelerator cells, address the remaining physics of the multi-pulse electromagnetic kicker and X-ray converter target and then commission the full energy 2nd Axis accelerator. The redesign of the cell as well as long pulse beam stability tests were completed in 2005. Testing of the multi-pulse electromagnetic kicker and X-ray converter target was completed in February of this year using an 8 MeV scaled accelerator that used twenty-six refurbished accelerator cells. Commissioning of the 2nd Axis 2.5 MV, 2.0 kA electron injector and the full-energy accelerator beamline is currently underway. Commissioning of the downstream transport section and multi-pulse kicker will begin in early October of 2007 after accelerator commissioning is completed. Target commissioning is scheduled to begin in November 2007. The DARHT 2nd Axis is scheduled for completion in early 2008, at which point the DARHT facility will be ready to support two-axis, multi-pulse radiography in support of the Stockpile Stewardship Program. In this paper, we present the overall project status, commissioning strategy and schedule.
Memory and place: geographies of a critical relationship

In recent years, investigations of social or cultural memory have become a major field of inquiry throughout the humanities and social sciences. No longer the sole preserve of psychology, the study of memory now extends to anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, literary studies, communication, history and, increasingly, to geography. This article assesses some of the major trends in this burgeoning literature, especially those works spatial in nature, which we find to be of considerable cross‐disciplinary importance. Together, memory and place conjoin to produce much of the context for modern identities; providing a modest overview of that critical, dynamic relationship, this article serves as an introduction to this special issue of Social & Cultural Geography.
Classification of motor stereotypies in video

Determining and detecting risk markers for mental illness remains a labor intensive process, requiring vast amounts of observations by clinical professionals. Motor stereotypies, which are defined as involuntary repetitive motor behaviors, invariant in form, that, to an observer, appear to serve no purpose, are a class of risk markers which are very amenable to video analysis. These behaviors are associated with mental illnesses such as Autism, Rett Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. This paper investigates the application of innovative automated methods to recognize these subtle motor indicators. To train and test our methods, a dataset of actions resembling motor stereotypies was created by engaging the normally developing children at the University of Minnesota's Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School. Comparison to a publicly available dataset depicting a subset of behaviors is performed as well. This work demonstrates the applicability of various techniques in the behavioral science domain. The results show that these techniques can perform well on a difficult and challenging real-world scenario.
Explaining Divided Government: Why Can't the Republicans Win the House?

Studies Quarterly 18: 485-92. Davidson, Roger H. 1988. "The New Centralization on Capitol Hill." Review of Politics 50: 345-64. Derthick, Martha. 1979. Policymaking for Social Security. Washington, DC: Brookings. Dunar, Andrew J. 1984. The Truman Scandals and the Politics of Morality. Columbia: University of Missouri Press. Freeman, Jo. 1975. The Politics of Women's Liberation. New York: David McKay. Higgs, Robert. 1987. Crisis and Leviathan: Critical Episodes in the Growth of American Government. New York: Oxford University Press. Key, V. O., Jr. 1964. Politics, Parties, and Pressure Groups, 5th ed. New York: Crowell.
Fixation points within the main thoracic curve: Does more instrumentation produce greater curve correction and improved results?

STUDY DESIGN Prospective consecutive multicenter case series. OBJECTIVE To compare fixation type and amount to curve correction controlled for curve flexibility. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The enhanced spinal purchase from segmental fixation should increase the force implants can exert without failure. This study evaluates whether this translates into correction beyond that expected from preoperative bending radiographs in thoracic curves where maximum correction was feasible (1A, 1B, and nonselective 1C fusions). METHODS One hundred seventy-one Lenke type 1 curves (118 1A, 36 1B, 23 1C) with 2-year follow-up were evaluated for the number and type of fixation points within the main curves compared to the correction obtained on preoperative bend films. SRS scores were compared to the amount of correction. RESULTS The number of fixation points both within the curve (P = 0.01) and for each vertebral body (P = 0.002) was larger for curves with greater correction compared to the bend films than those with less correction. Overall absolute correction was best for all screw and screw and wire constructs, followed by hook and screw, and least with hooks. However, compared to the bend films, these differences were not significant (P = 0.132). For all groups, the SRS scores significantly improved (P < 0.001), and was slightly more notable for the all screw constructs than other instrumentation patterns (P = 0.023). However, there were no significant difference in this improvement between those correcting more and those correcting less than the bend films (P = 0.578). CONCLUSION Absolute curve correction improved most with all pedicle screw and screw and wire constructs, but, when compared to bending films, the number of fixation points is more important than fixation type for curve correction. Although SRS scores improved the most in those with all screw constructs, the significance of this improvement is uncertain, and the SRS scores did not relate to whether curve correction was more or less than the bend films.
Glass Transition Dynamics and Fragility of Ultrathin Miscible Polymer Blend Films

We use cooling-rate-dependent Tg measurements (CR-Tg) to indirectly probe the relaxation dynamics and fragility of thin films of polystyrene (PS)/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) blends. Thin films of this miscible blend have a single glass transition temperature (Tg) that can be systematically shifted over 100 K simply by varying the composition of the blend. This study shows that the Tg of these blends decreases below the bulk Tg as the film thickness is decreased. Additionally, the degree of change in Tg strongly depends on the cooling rate of the experiment. We show that the Tg of 16 nm films of a 50% PS blend is 15 K lower than that of bulk at a cooling rate of 1 K/min but decreases only 4 K at a cooling rate of 120 K/min. By analyzing the cooling rate dependence of the Tg for various thicknesses of the 50% PS blend, we demonstrate that the fragility of these blends decreases with film thickness. This behavior is similar to what is observed in ultrathin films of polystyrene, which suggest...