cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of lidocaine solid lipid nanoparticles for sciatic nerve blockade in rats

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of lidocaine solid lipid nanoparticles (L-SLNs) for sciatic nerve blockade in rats.Methods Lidocaine-loaded SLNs were prepared using high pressure homogenization.Ninety SPF male Wistar rats,weighing 220-280 g,were randomized into 6 groups (n =15 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),1％ L-SLN group (group L1-SLN),1％ lidocaine group (group L1),2％ L-SLN group (group L2-SLN),2％ lidocaine group (group L2),and blank SLN group (group SLN).In C,L1-SLN,L1,L2-SLN,L2 and SLN groups,normal saline,1％ lidocaine SLN,1％ lidocaine,2％ lidocaine SLN,2％ lidocaine and blank SLN (200 μl) were injected,respectively,around the sciatic nerve.Before sciatic nerve blockade (baseline) and at 10,20,30,60,120,180,240,300,360,420,480,540 and 600 min after blockade,the paw withdraw latency to a thermal stimulus was measured,and maximum possible effect (MPE) was calculated to reflect the degree of sensory block.Before sciatic nerve blockade and at 10,20,30,60,120 and 150 min after blockade,extensor postural thrust (EPT) of the hind limbs was detected to reflect the degree of motor block.The sciatic nerve at the injection site and the tissues around the site were obtained for observation of the pathological changes at 2 days and 1 and 4 weeks after blockade.Results Compared with the baseline value before blockade and group C,the MPE was significantly increased in at 10-30 min after blockade group L1,at 10-60 min after blockade in group L2,at 10-360 min after blockade in group L1-SLN,and at 10-540 min after blockade in group L2-SLN,and the EPT was decreased at 10-30 min after blockade in group L1,at 10-60 min after blockade in group L2 and group L1-SLN,and at 10-90 min after blockade in group L2-SLN.Compared with group L1,the MPE was significantly decreased at 10 min after blockade,no significant change was found at 20-30 min after blockade,and the MPE was increased at 60-360 min after blockade,and the EPT was increased at 10-30 min after blockade,and no significant change was found at the other time points in group L1-SLN.Compared with group L2,no significant change was found in the MPE at 10-30 min after blockade,the MPE was significantly increased at 60-540 minafter blockade,and the EPT was increased at 10-60 min after blockade,and no significant change was found at the other time points in L2-SLN group.In SLN,L1-SLN and L2-SLN groups,no pathological changes were found in the sciatic nerve at the injection site and the tissues around the site,and only mild inflammatory responses were observed.Conclusion L-SLNs can prolong the duration of block when applied for sciatic nerve blockade in rats and biocompatibility is good. Key words: Nanocapsules; Lidocaine; Nerve block; Sciatic nerve
Clinical Data for the Use of Cannabis-Based Treatments: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Objective:To compile and synthesize the available literature describing medical cannabis use across various disease states.Data Sources:PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar searches were conducted usi...
The impact of visual sexual appeals on attention allocation within advertisements: an eye-tracking study

To address a longstanding gap in the literature examining distraction effects resulting from the use of sexual appeals, a mixed-factors eye-tracking experiment (N = 108) was conducted to gauge how ...
Radio detection of interstellar N2D

Line emission from the J = 1-0 transition of interstellar N2D(+) has been detected toward the cool dust cloud L134 N. The N2H(+)/N2D(+) total-projected-density ratio in this cloud is estimated to be about 2.22. Upper limits are obtained for the fractional ionization as well as the CO and N2 abundances in L134 N. The results are shown to support the previously discovered enhancement of the abundance of deuterated molecules in cool dust clouds.
Death determination and donation after circulatory death: Can physicians reconcile cardiorespiratory death and irreversible loss of brain function?:

Declaration of cardiorespiratory death, as defined by the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA), requires irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory function. A physician’s ability t...
“Sound” civics, heard histories: A critical case of young children mobilizing digital media to write (right) injustice

Drawing on data from a multi-sited study examining making and makerspace technologies’ impact on early social studies education, this article explores how two 1st-grade children mobilized digital m...
Meaning Co-Construction: Facilitating Shared Family Meaning-Making in Bereavement

Meaning-oriented approaches to grief therapy have made substantial contributions by defining the internal processes of meaning-making and, more recently, clinical scholars have introduced relational approaches as means for continuing bonds with the deceased and increasing social support for the bereaved. However, the complicated interactive processes of interpersonal meaning-making pose added challenges as family members attempt to coregulate each other's grief experiences. While systemic therapists have consistently emphasized the essential role of familial relationships in fostering resilience through interpersonally constructed meaning, there remains a need for clarity in terms of the specific processes by which this occurs. The Meaning Reconstruction Model and Emotionally Focused Therapy provide process-oriented therapeutic strategies for facilitating interpersonal interactions that foster deep relational connection and self-identity transformation. In this article, we explore how these models can be integrated and applied to the dynamic needs of families who are adjusting to loss. Future clinical and research directions are also discussed.
Hierarchical Graph Neural Networks.

Over the recent years, Graph Neural Networks have become increasingly popular in network analytic and beyond. With that, their architecture noticeable diverges from the classical multi-layered hierarchical organization of the traditional neural networks. At the same time, many conventional approaches in network science efficiently utilize the hierarchical approaches to account for the hierarchical organization of the networks, and recent works emphasize their critical importance. This paper aims to connect the dots between the traditional Neural Network and the Graph Neural Network architectures as well as the network science approaches, harnessing the power of the hierarchical network organization. A Hierarchical Graph Neural Network architecture is proposed, supplementing the original input network layer with the hierarchy of auxiliary network layers and organizing the computational scheme updating the node features through both - horizontal network connections within each layer as well as the vertical connection between the layers. It enables simultaneous learning of the individual node features along with the aggregated network features at variable resolution and uses them to improve the convergence and stability of the individual node feature learning. The proposed Hierarchical Graph Neural network architecture is successfully evaluated on the network embedding and modeling as well as network classification, node labeling, and community tasks and demonstrates increased efficiency in those.
The Maximum Distance Problem and Minimum Spanning Trees

Given a compact E⊂R n and s>0, the maximum distance problem seeks a compact and connected subset of R n of smallest one dimensional Hausdorff measure whose s-neighborhood covers E. For E⊂R 2 , we prove that minimizing over minimum spanning trees that connect the centers of balls of radius s, which cover E, solves the maximum distance problem. The main difficulty in proving this result is overcome by the proof of a key lemma which states that one is able to cover the s-neighborhood of a Lipschitz curve Γ in R 2 with a finite number of balls of radius s, and connect their centers with another Lipschitz curve Γ ∗ , where H1 (Γ ∗ ) is arbitrarily close to H 1 (Γ). We also present an open source package for computational exploration of the maximum distance problem using minimum spanning trees, available at github.com/mtdaydream/MDP_MST.
What Basic Emotions Really Are: Modularity, Motivation, and Behavioral Variability

While there is ongoing debate about the existence of basic emotions and about their status as natural kinds, these debates usually carry on under the assumption that basic emotions are modular and therefore cannot account for behavioral variability in emotional situations. Moreover, both sides of the debate have assumed that these putative features of basic emotions distinguish them as products of evolution rather than products of culture and experience. I argue that these assumptions are unwarranted, that there is empirical evidence against them, and that evolutionary theory itself should not lead us to expect that behavioral invariability and modularity mark the distinction between evolved emotions and higher cognitive emotions. I further suggest that claims about behavioral invariability and modularity have functioned as defeasible conjectures aimed at helping test basic emotion theory. Finally, I draw out the implications of these claims for debates about the existence of basic emotions in humans.
Structural and functional insights of GSU0105, a unique multiheme cytochrome from G. sulfurreducens

Abstract Geobacter sulfurreducens possesses over 100 cytochromes that assure an effective electron transfer to the cell exterior. The most abundant group of cytochromes in this microorganism is the PpcA family, composed of five periplasmic triheme cytochromes with high structural homology and identical heme coordination (His-His). GSU0105 is a periplasmic triheme cytochrome synthetized by G. sulfurreducens in Fe(III)-reducing conditions but is not present in cultures grown on fumarate. This cytochrome has a low sequence identity with the PpcA family cytochromes and a different heme coordination, based on the analysis of its amino acid sequence. In this work, amino acid sequence analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and complementary biophysical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible, circular dichroism, electron paramagnetic resonance, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, were used to characterize GSU0105. The cytochrome has a low percentage of secondary structural elements, with features of α-helices and β-sheets. Nuclear magnetic resonance shows that the protein contains three low-spin hemes (Fe(II), S = 0) in the reduced state. Electron paramagnetic resonance shows that, in the oxidized state, one of the hemes becomes high-spin (Fe(III), S = 5/2), whereas the two others remain low-spin (Fe(III), S = 1/2). The data obtained also indicate that the heme groups have distinct axial coordination. The apparent midpoint reduction potential of GSU0105 (−154 mV) is pH independent in the physiological range. However, the pH modulates the reduction potential of the heme that undergoes the low- to high-spin interconversion. The reduction potential values of cytochrome GSU0105 are more distinct compared to those of the PpcA family members, providing the protein with a larger functional working redox potential range. Overall, the results obtained, together with an amino acid sequence analysis of different multiheme cytochrome families, indicate that GSU0105 is a member of a new group of triheme cytochromes.
Examining Body Positivity in Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Lingerie Runway Show

Western beauty ideals are constantly evolving, as can be observed through the advertising strategies of various fashion brands, especially lingerie brands. One brand promoting new beauty ideals is singer Rihanna's Savage X Fenty (SxF) lingerie collection, which launched in 2018. The brand has received enormous support because it utilizes models of all different shapes, ethnicities, attitudes, and sexualities in its runway shows. Therefore, this research examined the SxF runway shows and their impact on beauty ideals through the lens of body positivity. A total of 80 comments were collected and examined using a netnographic approach, then analyzed using the four stages of the constant comparison method. Four themes emerged from this data: (a) feelings of sexiness, beauty, and empowerment; (b) inclusivity; (c) the uniqueness of the performance; and (d) challenges to capitalism. The analysis found that the influence of the body positivity movement could be seen in the online comments for the SxF collection runway shows. Also, the ability of SxF to effectively compete with bigger brands, such as Victoria’s Secret.
Discrete time models

The control problems introduced in chapter 2 assume that a continuous flow of information is available to help us determine the best actions. With the assumption of continuity of the state and information vectors, we could use tools from the calculus and differential equations to identify the optimal solution. However, all economic data is collected at periodic intervals, and applications of the continuous control formulation in economics has been restricted almost exclusively to pure economic theory.
Chapter 2. Homo- and hetero-oligomerization of chemokines.

Abstract Chemokines function in cell migration by binding and activating seven transmembrane G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) on leukocytes and many other diverse cell types. The extracellular binding event stabilizes specific conformations of the receptor that trigger cascades of intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell movement and activation (Baggiolini, 1998; Baggiolini et al ., 1997; Charo and Ransohoff, 2006; Hartley et al ., 2003; Kunkel and Butcher, 2002; Loetscher and Clark‐Lewis, 2001). Although the current consensus is that monomeric forms of chemokines are necessary for receptor binding to induce cell migration, oligomeric states of chemokines may be associated with other complex functional roles such as regulation, haptotactic gradient formation, protection from proteolysis, and signaling related to processes distinct from migration. Accordingly, diverse biophysical methods have been used to identify and characterize the details of these quaternary interactions. This chapter aims to summarize these methods and to provide guidelines for their application in future studies.
Linkage analysis of a complex disease: Application to familial Alzheimer's disease

Evidence for linkage of the Alzheimer's gene to markers on chromosomes 19 and 21 was assessed using single-locus and two-locus models of inheritance. Families were divided into groups determined by their average age at onset. The youngest group produced higher lod scores for markers on chromosome 21 while an older group showed evidence for linkage to markers on chromosome 19. Two-locus models of disease were used to analyze the youngest group for linkage to pairs of markers on chromosome 21 and an older group with markers on chromosome 19
Spectroscopy of Star Cluster Candidates and H II Regions in NGC 6822

We present optical spectroscopy of four star clusters and six H II regions in the nearby, dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 6822. From the data, we estimate ages of 2.5 × 107, 2.0 × 108, 1.4 × 109, and 10 ± 2 × 109 yr for clusters H VI, C21, H VIII, and H VII, respectively. For clusters H VI and H VII we estimate [Fe/H] ≈ -1.46 ± 0.26 and ~-2.0, lower than Large and Small Magellanic Cloud clusters at similar ages. Mass estimates for H VI, H VII, and H VIII demonstrate that clusters with typical globular cluster masses (>104 M⊙) have formed over the lifetime of NGC 6822. For six H II regions, ionic abundances are derived for element species of N, O, S, and Ne. These show that there is a correlation of abundance with position, the highest oxygen abundance H II regions being located off the main body of the galaxy.
A Lament for What Was Once and Yet Can Be

In the wake of 9/11, the American people showed unwavering faith in justice, fairness, and the rule of law through their steadfast service to the legal system. Yet one of the Bush administration’s first orders in the new “war on terror” was effectively to strip the courts and the juries of their role in the “trials” of our enemies, instead creating streamlined military tribunals. This diminished role of the judiciary is unfortunately just the latest feature in a disturbing trend in the federal district courts, which has seen the process of fact-finding in open court exchanged for a reflective in-chambers review of written submissions, and the trial of actual disputes replaced with “litigation management.” Most shocking is that the diminishment of the traditional American trial has been facilitated by the judiciary’s own institutional policies. Judge William G. Young of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts makes a plea to all branches of government and the American people to halt the erosion of the judiciary and return to the founding principles of our democ-
Quality measurement and reporting system

A guide for evaluating the benefits of the quality measurement and reporting system currently in use at IBM's facility in Essex Junction, Vermont, is presented. Due to the needs of business to maintain a higher quality level in the manufacturing environment, a flexible and easily maintained quality control system became a necessity. A system was installed to meet the needs of all levels of management, engineering, and manufacturing personnel while providing timely and consistent data in a super-friendly environment. The quality measurement system looks at various aspects critical to a semiconductor manufacturing line. Process compliance, product reliability, documentation, foreign material on wafers, and environmental contamination are some examples. The quality reporting system uses IBM software applications. The structured query language (SQL) and query management facility (QMF) are the applications used for data management. The data are stored in relational databases which, combined with the use of SQL and QMF, create a highly efficient and flexible system. >
Discourses and Inter-Corporeity

Contemporary European theories have focused attention on corporeity, its surface excitations and passions, and even on politically constructed bodies – how do men and women “carry their bodies”. The great variety of such claims suggests transformations in theoretical thinking, yet such changes were already articulated at another level by phenomenological studies: kinesthetic body. It is obvious that to speak of corporeity is possible only on the basis of analyses of corporeal movements. Thus, the aim of this essay is to disclose the structures of bodily movements, constituting the basis of primordial awareness – not “I think” but “I can”. In the essay there are presented a number of theses of post modernists who have not developed adequate analyses of corporeal movements.
Preservation of the native structure and function of Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum: Solubilization and reconstitution by new short-chain phospholipid detergent 1,2-diheptanoyl-sn-phosphatidylcholine

The properties of Ca2+-ATPase purified and reconstituted from rabbit skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) has been studied in comparison with the preparations obtained by the commonly used detergent poly(oxyethylene)8-lauryl ether (C12E8) and the bile salt detergents cholate and deoxycholate. 1,2-Diheptanoyl-sn-phosphatidylcholine (DHPC) has been shown to be excellent for solubilizing a wide variety of membrane proteins [Kessi, Poiree, Wehrli, Bachofen, Semenza and Hauser (1994) Biochemistry 33, 10825-10836]. The DHPC method consistently gave higher yields of purified Ca2+-ATPase with a greater specific activity than the methods with C12E8, cholate, or deoxycholate. DHPC and C12E8 were superior to cholate and deoxycholate in active enzyme yields and specific activity. DHPC-solubilized Ca2+-ATPase purified on a density gradient retained the E1Ca-E1(*)Ca conformational transition, whereas the enzyme from the C12E8 purification did not retain this transition. The coupling of Ca2+ transported to ATP hydrolysed in the DHPC-purified enzyme was maximal and matched the values obtained with native SR, whereas the coupling was much lower for the C12E8-purified enzyme. The specific activity of Ca2+-ATPase reconstituted into dioleoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles with DHPC was up to 2-fold greater than that achieved with C12E8, and is comparable to that measured in the native SR. Finally, the dissociation of Ca2+-ATPase into monomers by DHPC preserved the ATPase activity, whereas similar dissociation by C12E8 gave only one-sixth the activity of that obtained with DHPC. These studies show that the Ca2+-ATPase solubilized, purified and reconstituted with DHPC is superior to that obtained with C12E8 in significant ways, making it a preparation suitable for detailed studies on the mechanism of ion transport and the role of protein-lipid interactions in the function of membrane proteins.
Mode scanning for ultrasound phased arrays with six planes of symmetry

Modes are symmetric focal patterns that exploit the symmetry of ultrasound phased arrays and cancel the complex pressure field in multiple planes that contain the central axis. The mode scanning approach, which was originally derived for symmetric planar arrays populated with rectangular elements, is extended to include triangular and hexagonal elements. This focusing method is very useful for generating heating patterns in hyperthermia. An example of mode scanning with 6-fold symmetry shown for a flat, two-dimensional ultrasound phased array populated with equilateral triangles. The pressure field of a single triangular element is computed with the fast nearfield method, which generates pressure fields with relatively small errors. The derivation of the element driving signals that produce different model focal patterns for any mode combines the characteristic of geometric symmetry with the method of gain maximization.
Model reduction of linear PDE systems: A continuous time Eigensystem Realization Algorithm

The Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) is a well known system identification and model reduction algorithm for discrete time systems. Recently, Ma, Ahuja, and Rowley (Theoret. Comput. Fluid Dyn. 25(1) : 233-247, 2011) showed that ERA is theoretically equivalent to the balanced POD algorithm for model reduction of discrete time systems. We propose an ERA for model reduction of continuous time linear partial differential equation systems. The algorithm differs from other existing approaches as it is based on a direct approximation of the Hankel integral operator of the system. We show that the algorithm produces accurate balanced reduced order models for an example PDE system.
Processing Latinidad: Mapping Latino Urban Landscapes Through Chicago Ethnic Festivals

Largely interpreted as counter-intuitive to one another, cultural nationalism and panethnicity have been understood as solely an either/or choice. Such dichotomous interpretations of these two configurations have limited our ability to capture their coexistence and further understand Latino experiences. This essay explores the relationship between cultural nationalism and latinidad via the productions of ethnic festivals in Chicago. During a three-week period, the city of Chicago becomes the stage for Latino festive forms. Viva Chicago, Fiesta Boricua, and the celebration of Mexican Independence take place during consecutive weekends in the late summer and early fall. Using the timing and celebration of these festive forms as a point of departure, this paper explores how within productions of cultural nationalism, variations of latinidad are articulated, as well as how within manifestations of latinidad, national origins are still prominent. By centering our investigation on complex moments of convergence, we begin to move away from the analytical trappings of dichotomous thinking, that is, positive/negative, differences/commonalities, conflictive/celebratory, in order to account for the healthy tensions embedded in Latino identity formation. Focusing on the significance of comparative and collaborative approaches to latinidad, this paper ultimately aims to interrogate current understandings of latinidad.
Hospitalization for pelvic inflammatory disease: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Objective:Nulliparous women are frequently hospitalized for treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).Goal:The goal of this study was to determine the economic feasibility of hospitalizing adolescents and young women for PID.Study Design:The authors conducted a Markov decision model, estimating
Alcohol and Food Abuse: Some Comparisons

Summary The literature concerning alcohol and food abuse is reviewed. Previous researchers in their respective fields of alcoholism, anorexia nervosa and hyperphagia/obesity have often remarked on cross-abuse commonalities. Such supposed commonalities are examined. Sociocultural and familial influences, personality, intemality vs externality, and the concepts of craving, abstinence and relapse are discussed. The Abstinence Violation Effect and catastrophe theory are outlined as models with comment on their applicability. Conclusions and suggestions for subsequent research are proposed.
The Influence of Restrictive Emotionality in Men's Emotional Appraisal of Sexual Harassment: A Gender Role Interpretation.

University of Illinois at UrbanaÐChampaignIn this study, the effects of restrictive emotionality on menOs emotional appraisal ofapproach- and rejection-based sexual harassment vignettes were examined in a sampleof undergraduate men ( N 346). The effects of perpetrator sex and menOs sensitivityin perceiving sexual harassment on these appraisals were also explored. Results suggestthat each of these variables could insuence menOs appraisals of sexual harassment,although signiÞcance was dependent on the type of emotional appraisal (i.e., fear,anger, or arousal) as well as on the intent of the harassment (i.e., approach- orrejection-based harassment). Results also suggest that oneOs perception of an experi-ence as sexual harassment could moderate the association between restrictive emotion-ality and appraisal of a sexual harassment victimization experience.Keywords: sexual harassment, restrictive emotionality, appraisal
The ecology of communities dominated by Zannichellia taxa in western Europe. III. chemical ecology

Abstract From a number of habitats in The Netherlands where the macrophyte flora was dominated by Zannichellia pedunculata Rchb., the chemical constitution of the plants (Na, Ca, Mn, Mg, K, Fe, N, P) and the environment (Na, Ca, Mn, Mg, K, Fe, N, P, SO4 and Cl) were studied. Under controlled conditions, the element content of Z. pedunculata was studied in relation to the element content of a sediment gradient and the chlorinity of the water. The chlorinity of the water (and the related K/Ca, K/Mg and Ca/Mg ratios) clearly affected the K/Ca, K/Mg and Ca/Mg ratios in the plants, but the different sediments did not. In the field there are generally large differences in the element content between the plant parts above- and belowground. For Z. pedunculata mathematical equations for the relationships between the element content in these plant parts are given. When comparing Z. pedunculata, Potamogeton pectinatus L. and Potamogeton pusillus L. on the basis of their element content, the potassium content was different in these macrophytes. From a cluster analysis with the complete set of elements per plant part, the parts of one species appeared to cluster. The cluster with the plant parts of Z. pedunculata was clearly characterized by the potassium content. The K/Mg, K/Ca and Ca/Mg ratios in Z. pedunculata collected in the field clearly characterize this species when compared with species such as Potamogeton pusillus and Ruppia taxa from neighbouring habitats. When analysing the total amount of an element stored in several parts of the ecosystem such as the water layer, the sediments, the seston and the aquatic macrophytes, it is obvious that large amounts of nitrogen are present in the macrophytes (up to 50%). The seston also stores a relevant quantity of this element (maximum 6%). The sediments are loaded with phosphorus, whereas in the aquatic macrophytes only small quantities of this element are found (10%).
Human Nucleolar Organizer Chromosomes: Satellite Associations

The D and G group chromosomes from cultured human lymphocytes exhibit single and multiple satellite associations when stained with silver. Unlike earlier methods this simple and highly repeatable procedure shows physical attachments between satellited regions of various acrocentric autosomes. After studying 1,000 satellite associations from 118 normal individuals, it was found that both single and multiple associations occur with frequencies that correlate with random expectancies.
Direct Evidence for a Bone Marrow Origin of the Alveolar Macrophage in Man

Alveolar macrophages were obtained from 23 patients who had received marrow transplants for hematologic disorders. The presence of a Y body in macrophages of male origin was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy. In those patients with a marrow donor of opposite sex the alveolar macrophages were shown to be of donor origin. The disappearance with time of host macrophages indicates a life-span, under the conditions, of approximately 81 days.
NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED? CONCEPTUALIZING SOCIAL MOVEMENT "SUCCESS" IN THE LESBIAN AND GAY MOVEMENT

This article employs and expands a multidimensional framework for understanding movement effects that includes political, mobilization, and cultural outcomes. It compares lesbian and gay efforts to decriminalize sodomy between 1961 and 1977 and between 1986 and 1991 and examines the conditions under which activists strive for different sorts of goals. Because movement strategies are inextricably tied to what motivates activists—that is, their understanding of what constitutes success—this article sheds light on how activists understand and negotiate their external environment. In contrast to previous formulations, it argues that political, mobilization, and cultural goals do not always line up in a one-to-one fashion. Therefore, activists' understandings of the relationship between political opportunities and different sorts of outcomes influences their strategic choices, which in turn affects the types of outcomes they achieve. ( Bowers v. Hardwick is) a despised national symbol of anti-gay hostility and dis- crimination. (Lambda 1999) In return for removing the formal threat of severe criminal sanction for hidden and discrete acts (which society had rarely enforced in any case), dominant heterosexual society has sought the quiescence of sexual nonconformists, their tacit agreement to hide themselves from view and spare the beneficent domi- nant culture the disgust of any type of public presence. (Backer 1993:759) In 1960 every state in the United States had a sodomy law that banned certain consensual sex acts between adults in private. In addition to anal sex, the sodomy statutes, either by express statutory language or judicial interpretation, generally prohibited any oral-genital contact. In some states, these laws applied to both different- and same-sex couples, married and unmarried couples alike (Apasu-Gbotsu
Not all GKK τ-matrices are stable

Abstract Hermitian positive definite, totally positive, and nonsingular M -matrices enjoy many common properties, in particular: (A) positivity of all principal minors, (B) weak sign symmetry, (C) eigenvalue monolonicity, (D) positive stability. The class of GKK matrices is defined by properties (A) and (B), whereas the class of nonsingular τ-matrices by (A) and (C). It was conjectured that: (A), (B) ⇒ (D) [D. Carlson, J. Res. Nat. Bur. Standards Sect. B 78 (1974) 1–2], (A), (C) ⇒ (D) [G.M. Engel and H. Schneider, Linear and Multilinear Algebra 4 (1976) 155–176]. (A), (B) ⇒ a property stronger than (D) [R. Varga, Numerical Methods in Linear Algebra, 1978, pp. 5–15], (A), (B), (C) ⇒ (D) [D. Hershkowitz, Linear Algebra Appl. 171 (1992) 161–186]. We describe a class of unstable GKK τ-matrices, thus disproving all four conjectures.
Modelling potential habitat for cougars in midwestern North America

Abstract Cougars (Puma concolor) are of considerable interest to wildlife biologists and the general public in midwestern North America, yet no researchers have modelled potential habitat in the region. We created a model of potential cougar habitat in 9 midwestern states using geospatial data, expert-opinion surveys, the analytical hierarchy process, and a GIS. About 8% of the study region contained highly favorable habitat (with favorability scores ≥75%) for cougars; the states of Arkansas (19%) and Missouri (16%) contained the highest proportions of potentially favorable habitat. We identified 6 large (≥2500 km2 in size), contiguous areas of highly favorable habitat for cougars. Model testing procedures indicated a valid model when compared to an independent set of cougar locations, a null dataset, and similar studies. Our model is useful as a planning tool to proactively address future human–cougar conflicts should cougars re-colonize the Midwest via subadult dispersal.
The effects of distance and height on maximal isometric push and pull strength with reference to manual transmission truck drivers

Abstract This study investigates how different heights and distance of the hand from the body affect the maximal static force that can be either pushed or pulled while seated. Twenty female subjects performed maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) pulls and pushes while seated, at all nine combinations of the three height positions and three distance positions tested. The distances were measured from the seat reference point of the chair and were 18 cm (close), 36.1 cm (medium) and 45 cm (high). The three heights were measured from the ground and were: 41.1 cm (low), 64.3 cm (middle) and 82 cm (high). The subject's sitting and shoulder posture was controlled to prevent torso flexion, rotation or swaying back and forth. Surface EMG sensors were placed over the flexor digitorum profundus, tricep, bicep, anterior deltoid and posterior deltoid to monitor the muscle activity over each of these positions. The average force exerted at each position was analyzed using an s-beam load cell connected to a commercial stick shift handle. The optimal location was selected based on the ‘best position criteria’ which was defined as the location with the greatest force output and lowest muscle activity. The furthest distance tested and the middle height best fit these criteria in this experiment. This study also found that seated pushing tasks are more affected by the distance of the hand from the body than the starting height of the hand. This means that the increase in muscle strength is greater when the distance is increased versus when the height is increased. Finally, this study found that muscle strength during a pulling task is affected equally by the distance and height of the hand. Relevance to industry Although this task is applicable to manual transmission truck drivers, it can also be used to develop standards for other industries where seated pushing and pulling tasks are prevalent. This can include, but is not limited to, airline pilots, helicopter pilots, tractor drivers and bus drivers.
Giant “bathing trunk” nevus with malignant melanoma treated by excision and split thickness skin grafting

Abstract The “BATHING TRUNK” NEVUS is a rare, congenital, giant pigmented and hairy nevus with an alarming propensity for melanomatous transformation. We have successfully treated an injant with this lesion, employing an aggressive surgical approach consisting of (1) diverting colostomy; (2) staged partial excisions of the nevus to the level of muscle fascia, including bilateral inguinal node dissections; (3) coverage with split thickness Tanner mesh grafts; and (4) closure of the colostomy.
STUDY OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ITS STABLE L-FORM VARIANT: CHANGES IN CELLULAR COMPOSITION AS A FUNCTION OF LONG-CHAIN FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION OF CULTURE MEDIUM

The effects of various long-chain fatty acids supplied in the culture medium on fatty acid composition in a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (SA-36) and its stable L-form variant (SL-36) are described. L-form variant SL-36 did not grow on a medium supplemented with oleic acid or linoleic acid. Neither L-form nor bacterial parent grew in media supplemented with palmitoleic acid. Gas-liquid chromatography profiles were obtained on isolated cell fractions by thin-layer chromatography after the microorganisms had been cultivated in each experimental medium. Analysis of fatty acids derived from bacterial strain SA-36 showed that the major fatty acid peaks reflected the particular fatty acids used as supplements. SA-36 incorporated heptadecanoic, oleic, and linoleic acids although none of these is normally encountered in this microorganism after cultivation in conventional media. In contrast to the bacterial parent, fatty acids appearing in isolates of L-form SL-36 after growth in each experimental medium were found to be semi-independent of fatty acid supplementation. Additionally, SL-36 incorporated heptadecanoic acid, although this fatty acid was not detectable when SL-36 was grown in unsupplemented media. Tuberculostearic acid was detected uniquely in the L-form following cultivation in diverse experimental media.
A Contribution to the Great Riemann Solver Debate

The aims of this paper are threefold: to increase the level of awareness within the shock-capturing community of the fact that many Godunov-type methods contain subtle flaws that can cause spurious solutions to be computed; to identify one mechanism that might thwart attempts to produce very-high-resolution simulations; and to proffer a simple strategy for overcoming the specific failings of individual Riemann solvers.
Microinjection of cultured rat embryos: Studies with retinol, 13-cis- and all-trans-retinoic acid

Retinol, all-trans-retinoic acid or 13-cis-retinoic acid were intraamniotically microinjected in rat embryos on day 10 of gestation and cultured until day 11.5. A comparison of the concentration-effect relationships of the retinoids showed that the dysmorphogenic effects were qualitatively similar for all three, but were elicited by a low concentration of all-trans-retinoic acid (250 ng/ml), a 6- to 7-fold higher concentration of 13-cis-retinoic acid and an approximately 16-fold higher concentration of retinol. After microinjection of 2,000 ng/ml of retinol, no dysmorphogenesis was observed but instead an increase in all growth parameters as compared to the controls.
Complete information acquisition in dynamic force microscopy

An often overlooked component of scanning probe microscopy involves information transfer from the tip–surface junction to a macroscopic measurement system. Here, the authors present an information–theory-based approach that relies on capturing the response at a wide-frequency band, allowing a complete and unbiased look at probing interaction.
Uroradiologic evaluation in pediatric patients Guidelines

Abstract A study of 3,505 cystourethrograms established that urinary tract infection usually occurs with no associated conditions. Infection of the upper urinary tract occurs equally in boys and girls, but cystitis and urethritis are more common in girls. Referral for suspected infection is three times more common in girls because of (1) higher incidence of lower tract infection and (2) frequently inaccurate qualitative urinalysis. Quantitative urinalysis significantly reduces the number of girls referred for uroradiologic examination. Cystourethrograph y and intravenous pyelography distinguish between upper and lower tract infection by demonstrating ileus, reflux, and nonobstructive hydronephrosis which also are helpful in establishing infection when the urinalysis is negative. Abdominal mass, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, trauma, abdominal pain, constipation, intersex, neurogenic disease, enuresis, fever of undetermined origin, nonrenal anomaly, and failure to thrive are valid medical indications for uroradiologic evaluation.
Friction and wear properties of titanium

Abstract All of the lubricants evaluated, with the possible exception of fluorocarbons, are ineffective in reducing the galling of bare titanium metal. However, many of the wear problems have been minimized by coating the surface of the metal and then lubricating this surface. Thus, the wear resistance of the metal can be improved by oxide, nitride, and carbide case hardening and coatings. Chemical conversion coatings such as fluoride, phosphate, and anodized coatings help retain the lubricant and improve the resistance to galling. The most satisfactory procedure for preparing titanium surfaces for severe service is by the application of metallic coatings. Of the coatings tested, nickel has given the best results to date.
Full abstraction and expressive completeness for FP

Abstract We consider issues related to the expressive power of the programming language FP. In particular, we consider whether a number of variants of FP are fully abstract and expressively complete. For example, we show that a version of FP with only one-sided sequences behave similarly to PCF in that the addition of parallel or is sufficient to make it fully abstract. However, the addition of parallel or to FP (with its two-sided infinite sequences) is not sufficient to achieve full abstraction. By considering these and other variants, we obtain a better understanding of what is required of a language and semantics in order to guarantee full abstraction and expressive completeness.
Analysis of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into DNA: comparison of gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric, CsCl gradient sedimentation, and specific radioactivity methods.

A sensitive new method for the quantitation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporated into DNA by CC/MS analysis of enzymatically released Thy and bromouracil (BrUra) is presented. The hydrolysis procedure was characterized and found to give uniform results when sample size was 1- 10 rug DNA and incubation time for DNA digestion was between 40 min and 16 h. Samples of DNA containing ‘H-labeled BrdUrd were analyzed in parallel by the GC/MS technique and by specific radioactivity and buoyant density measurements, in order to compare the three methods. The GC/MS procedure gave values for percentage replacement of Thy by BrUra which were higher than those obtained by specific activity and lower than those obtained by buoyant density. This GC/MS method can detect 1% replacement in a I-pg DNA sample, equivalent to approximately 10s cells or 0.1 mg tissue, and will permit sensitive and quantitative analysis of the presence of this chemotherapeutic agent/radiosensitizer in cellular DNA from biopsy samples of
Numerical modeling of em pump efficiency

The pilot Molten lead-bismuth target circuit (TC-1) in University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) was designed for beam power of 1 MW accelerator driven system (ADS). The TC-1 is a liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) circulation loop. Circulation of the liquid alloy is driven by an annular linear induction pump (ALIP). Experimental measurements of system parameters have yielded a surprisingly low pump efficiency of less than 1%. A numerical study of the pump efficiency has been conducted to determine which operational parameters are responsible for this low efficiency and to give insight into future EM pump design. The numerical study has entailed incorporating algorithms which calculated the EM body force into a commercial CFD code (FEMLab). The EM body forces were calculated using both simplified analytic expressions, as well as by numerical solution of Maxwell's equations.© 2006 ASME
Glucose Regulates EF-2 Phosphorylation and Protein Translation by a Protein Phosphatase-2A-dependent Mechanism in INS-1-derived 832/13 Cells

The role of elongation factor (EF)-2 phosphorylation in the regulation of pancreatic beta-cell protein synthesis by glucose was investigated in the INS-1-derived cell line 832/13. Incubation of cells in media containing 1 mm glucose resulted in a progressive increase in EF-2 phosphorylation that was maximal by 1-2 h. Readdition of 10 mm glucose promoted a rapid dephosphorylation of EF-2 that was complete in 10 min and maintained over the ensuing 2 h. Similar results were obtained using primary rat islets or Min-6 insulinoma cells. The glucose effect in 832/13 cells was replicated by addition of pyruvate or alpha-ketocaproate, but not 2-deoxyglucose, suggesting that mitochondrial metabolism was required. Accordingly, glucose-mediated dephosphorylation of EF-2 was completely blocked by the mitochondrial respiratory antagonists antimycin A and oligomycin. The hyperglycemic effect was not mimicked by incubation of cells in 100 nm insulin, 30 mm potassium chloride, or 0.25 mm diazoxide, indicating that insulin secretion and/or depolarization of beta cells was not required. The locus of the high glucose effect appeared to be protein phosphatase-2A, the principal phosphatase acting on EF-2. Protein phosphatase-2A activity was stimulated by glucose addition to 832/13 cells, but neither protein phosphatase-1 nor calmodulin kinase III (EF-2 kinase) activity was affected under these conditions. The slower rephosphorylation of EF-2 during the transition from high to low glucose may involve effects on EF-2 kinase activity. Addition of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta-d-ribofuranoside in high glucose led to a marked stimulation of EF-2 phosphorylation, consistent with the possibility that increased AMP kinase activity in low glucose stimulates EF-2 kinase. In parallel with the effects on EF-2 dephosphorylation, addition of high glucose to 832/13 cells markedly increased the incorporation of [(35)S]methionine into total protein. Taken together, these results suggest that modulation of extracellular glucose impacts protein translation rate in beta cells at least in part through regulation of the elongation step, via phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of EF-2.
Enablers and Constraints to Walking for Older African American and American Indian Women: The Cultural Activity Participation Study

Walking is a significant physical activity undertaken by a range of women from different ages, economic backgrounds, and family situations. The purpose of this analysis was to examine what conditions enabled walking to occur and what constraints prevented some older African American and American Indian women from walking as a physical activity. A descriptive analysis emerged related to three dimensions: the context of walking, how walking was enabled, and constraints to walking more or achieving greater satisfaction with walking as a physical activity. As more is known about how and why a behavior such as walking occurs, more can be done to raise the physical and mental quality of life for all people, regardless of race or gender.
Functional evaluation of key interactions evident in the structure of the eukaryotic Cys-loop receptor GluCl.

The publication of the first high-resolution crystal structure of a eukaryotic Cys-loop receptor, GluClα, has provided valuable structural information on this important class of ligand-gated ion channels (LGIC). However, limited functional data exist for the GluCl receptors. Before applying the structural insights from GluCl to mammalian Cys-loop receptors such as nicotinic acetylcholine and GABA receptors, it is important to ensure that established functional features of mammalian Cys-loop receptors are present in the more distantly related GluCl receptors. Here, we seek to identify ligand-binding interactions that are generally associated with Cys-loop receptors, including the frequently observed cation−π interaction. Our studies were performed on the highly homologous GluClβ receptor, because GluClα is not activated by glutamate in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Mutagenesis of the signal peptide and pore lining helix was performed to enhance functional expression and sensitivity to applied ligand, respectively. Conventional and unnatural amino acid mutagenesis indicate a strong cation−π interaction between Y206 and the protonated amine of glutamate, as well as other important ionic and hydrogen bond interactions between the ligand and the binding site, consistent with the crystal structure.