cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the modeling of the non-linear response of soft elastic bodies

Abstract In this short note we articulate the need for a new approach to develop constitutive models for the non-linear response of materials wherein one is interested in describing the Cauchy–Green stretch as a non-linear function of the Cauchy stress, with the relationship not in general being invertible. Such a material is neither Cauchy nor Green elastic. The new class of materials has several advantages over classical elastic bodies. When linearized under the assumption that the displacement gradient be small, the classical theory leads unerringly to the classical linearized model for elastic response, while the current theory would allow for the possibility that the linearized strain be a non-linear function of the stress. Such bodies also exhibit a very desirable property when viewed within the context of constraints. One does not need to introduce a Lagrange multiplier as is usually done in the classical approach to incompressibility and the models are also more suitable when considering nearly incompressible materials. The class of materials considered in this paper belongs to a new class of implicit elastic bodies introduced by Rajagopal [19] , [20] . We show how such a model can be used to interpret the data for an experiment on rubber by Penn [18] .
Aquatic Microbial Habitats Within a Neotropical Rainforest: Bromeliads and pH-Associated Trends in Bacterial Diversity and Composition

Tank-forming bromeliads, suspended in the rainforest canopy, possess foliage arranged in compact rosettes capable of long-term retention of rainwater. This large and unique aquatic habitat is inhabited by microorganisms involved in the important decomposition of impounded material. Moreover, these communities are likely influenced by environmental factors such as pH, oxygen, and light. Bacterial community composition and diversity was determined for the tanks of several bromeliad species (Aechmea and Werauhia) from northern Costa Rica, which span a range of parameters, including tank morphology and pH. These were compared with a nearby forest soil sample, an artificial tank (amber bottle), and a commercially available species (Aechmea). Bacterial community diversity, as measured by 16S rRNA analysis and tRFLP, showed a significant positive correlation with tank pH. A majority of 16S rRNA bacterial phylotypes found in association with acidic bromeliad tanks of pH 5.3, including the commercial bromeliad with the highest pH (6.7), were dominated by Betaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. To empirically determine the effect of pH on bacterial community, the tank pH of a specimen of Aechmea was depressed, in the field, from 6.5 to 4.5, for 62 days. The resulting community changed predictably with decreased abundance of Betaproteobacteria and Firmicutes and a concomitant increase in Alphaproteobacteria and Acidobacteria. Collectively, these results suggest that bromeliad tanks provide important habitats for a diverse microbial community, distinct from the surrounding environment, which are influenced greatly by acid–base conditions. Additionally, total organic carbon (∼46%) and nitrogen (∼2%) of bromeliad-impounded sediment was elevated relative to soil and gene surveys confirmed the presence of both chitinases and nitrogenases, suggesting that bromeliad tanks may provide important habitats for microbes involved in the biological cycling of carbon and nitrogen in tropical forests.
Beyond Meaningless Leisure: John Dewey's Influence on Eastern Oregon University's Outdoor Program

This paper presents the Eastern Oregon University Outdoor Program's application of John Dewey's philosophy of leisure to outdoor education and recreation programming. Central to Dewey's philosophy of leisure is his aversion to a socially constructed dichotomy between work and play. In the case of outdoor education and recreation programs within higher education, the dichotomy can often appear between students' academic studies and recreation (which may include curricular or co-curricular outdoor program courses and outings). The Eastern Oregon University Outdoor Program offers a Winter Wildlife Tracking Program that is grounded in Dewey's philosophy of integrated work and play, and is designed to engage participants in developing higher order and critical thinking skills. These critical thinking skills are facilitated through the application of winter backcountry recreation skills as well as knowledge of local ecology and animal tracking. The paper is presented not as a demonstration of â€œwhat worksâ€ or what should take place in other contexts, but is rather is intended to encourage new ways of thinking about the practice of outdoor adventure education and recreation within higher education.
Combinatorial Motion Planning for a Dubins Vehicle With Precedence Constraints

This paper considers a combinatorial motion planning problem of finding a shortest tour for a Dubins’ vehicle that must visit a given set of targets and return to its initial depot while satisfying the motion constraints of the vehicle and the precedence constraints. Precedence constraints restrict the sequence in which a Dubins’ vehicle visits the given set of targets by imposing a partial ordering on the sequence in which the targets must be visited. This problem arises in applications involving fixed wing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) where the vehicles have fuel and motion constraints. A fixed wing UAV may be modeled as a Dubins’ vehicle that can travel at a constant speed and has an upper bound on its turning rate. This is a difficult problem because it couples the combinatorial problem of optimally visiting a set of targets with the path planning problem of finding the shortest path that satisfies the motion constraints given the sequence in which the targets must be visited. In this paper, the sequence in which the targets must be visited is obtained by solving the combinatorial problem using a split dual algorithm. Using this sequence, the path planning problem is solved using Dynamic Programming. Computational results are given to corroborate the performance of the algorithms.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
X-Ray Crystal Structure of Escherichia Coli Taurine/Alpha-Ketoglutarate Dioxygenase Complexed to Ferrous Iron and Substrates

Taurine/α-ketoglutarate dioxygenase (TauD), a non-heme Fe(II) oxygenase, catalyses the conversion of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonate) to sulfite and aminoacetaldehyde concurrent with the conversion of α-ketoglutarate (αKG) to succinate and CO2. The enzyme allows Escherichia coli to use taurine, widely available in the environment, as an alternative sulfur source. Here we describe the X-ray crystal structure of TauD complexed to Fe(II) and both substrates, αKG and taurine. The tertiary structure and fold of TauD are similar to those observed in other enzymes from the broad family of Fe(II)/αKG-dependent oxygenases, with closest structural similarity to clavaminate synthase. Using the TauD coordinates, a model was determined for the closely related enzyme 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate/αKG dioxygenase (TfdA), supporting predictions derived from site-directed mutagenesis and other studies of that biodegradative protein. The TauD structure and TfdA model define the metal ligands and the positions of nearby aromat...
Excellence in support or support is more than a correct answer

Your telephone rings, you answer, and it is a customer with a question. You provide the answer, check to see that it has been understood, wait to see if it fixes the problem and, when it does, thank the customer for calling and move on to your next task. Some would feel that this scenario defines excellence in computer support for our customers. And yet, excellence in support is so much more than having the right response to provide. It also involves being able to:empathize with our customersthink "outside the box" for solutionstalk knowledgeably about cutting-or-bleeding-edge technology with early-adopters on our campusesproactively respond to problems you know that they will have (but they may not anticipate)understand the planned future directions information technology (IT) may take on our campusesanticipate what advances the IT industry may provide and how these will affect usAt the University of Virginia (U.Va.), we in the central ITC organization try to offer our customers (the students, faculty and staff with direct questions, our colleagues who provide departmental computer support and each other) excellence in support, which is why we strive not only to find ways to stay abreast of new developments but also to share information with each other, with our colleagues providing support in departments, and with our customers.
It's Not Easy Being Green-Adaptation Is Our Theme: Inquiry Teaching in the Middle-Level Science Classroom

(2005). It's Not Easy Being Green—Adaptation is Our Theme: Inquiry Teaching in the Middle-Level Science Classroom. Childhood Education: Vol. 81, No. 4, pp. 228-233.
A non-calcemic sulfone version of the vitamin D3 analogue seocalcitol (EB 1089): chemical synthesis, biological evaluation and potency enhancement of the anticancer drug adriamycin

Novel side-chain diene sulfones 5, analogues of the natural hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol, 1), were designed to incorporate some of the therapeutically most favorable structural features of the Leo Pharmaceutical Company's drug candidate diene EB 1089 (seocalcitol, 4) and of the Hopkins' non-calcemic side-chain sulfone analogues 2 and 3. Synthesis of diene sulfones 5 features selective Swern oxidation of a primary silyl ether in the presence of a secondary silyl ether (9-->10) and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons aldehyde addition by a 1-phosphonyl-3-sulfonyl stabilized carbanion regiospecifically at the 1-position to form E,E-diene sulfone 11. Sulfone diene analogue 5a with natural 1alpha,3beta-diol functionality, but not its diastereomer 5b with unnatural A-ring stereochemistry, is antiproliferative in vitro toward murine keratinocytes and malignant melanoma cells, as well as toward MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Combining diene sulfone 5a with the currently used anticancer drug adriamycin (ADR) caused a noteworthy 3-fold enhancement of ADR antiproliferative potency in MCF-7 cells. Sulfone diene analogue 5a is weakly active transcriptionally in MCF-7 and ROS 17/2.8 cells, binds poorly but measurably to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and desirably is non-calcemic in vivo at a daily dose (7 days) of 10 microg/kg of rat body weight.
Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia (Carrington's) With Increased Serum IgE Levels: A Distinct Subset?

We report our second case of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) (Carrington's pneumonia) with elevated serum IgE values and present a review of the literature on this subject. Our present patient, a 55-year-old woman, had classic symptoms of dry cough, weight loss, malaise, dyspnea, night sweats, and fevers. Significant peripheral blood eosinophilia and a right upper lobe infiltrate were present. Glucocorticoid therapy caused prompt resolution of symptoms, as well as disappearance of blood eosinophilia, elevated serum IgE levels, and pulmonary shadowing. The diagnosis of CEP should not be neglected in the classification of the eosinophilic pneumonias with increased serum IgE levels. The increased serum IgE levels, when present in CEP, seem nonspecific and thus may not be useful as a diagnostic adjunct. However, measurement of IgE may be helpful in CEP, as it has been in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, to guide the dosage and duration of corticosteroid therapy.
Triplication of 8p22-8p23 in a patient with features similar to Kabuki syndrome.

Kabuki syndrome (KS) comprises multiple congenital anomalies and distinctive facial appearance. Although a number of chromosome abnormalities have been described in patients with KS-like phenotypes, no consensus has been reached regarding the genetic basis underlying the classic Kabuki phenotype. A recent study reported on 8p22–8p23.1 duplication in patients diagnosed with KS; however, a number of other studies have not found this duplication in patients with classic KS. We report on a girl with triplication of 8p22–8p23 who has mental retardation and some features suggestive of KS, including growth retardation, left-sided obstructive heart lesion, long-appearing palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, sparse lateral eyebrows, prominent ears, and persistent fetal fingertip pads. She does not have the typical facial gestalt of KS, nor does she have other more specific findings of KS. We propose that abnormal copy number of genes in the 8p22–8p23 region results in a syndrome of multiple congenital anomalies with many features that overlap with classic KS. However, data from this patient and others with similar duplications in the literature suggest that duplication or triplication of 8p22–8p23 represents a recognizable pattern of malformation distinct from classic KS. The exact genetic abnormality underlying KS currently remains unknown. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison between the in vitro intrinsic radiation sensitivity of human soft tissue sarcoma and breast cancer cell lines.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiation sensitivity of human soft tissue sarcoma cell lines in vitro and to compare with that of human breast carcinoma and glioblastoma cell lines. The intrinsic radiation sensitivity parameters of seven human soft tissue sarcomas and eight breast carcinoma cell lines were investigated in vitro by clonogenic assays for single-dose irradiation under aerobic conditions on cells in exponential phase of growth. The results for sarcoma cell lines showed that the mean surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2) was 0.39 (SD ± 0.09) with a range of 0.24 to 0.53, and the average mean inactivation dose (MID) was 1.92 (SD ± 0.35) range from 1.36 Gy to 2.49 Gy. These values were not different from that of breast cell lines examined concurrently and using the same experimental methods (mean SF2 0.38, SD ± 0.09; MID 1.9 Gy, SD ± 0.37). However, radiobiological parameters of nine karyotyped human malignant glioma cell lines determined earlier in this laboratory were significantly higher (mean SF2 0.50 ± 0.14; mean MID 2.61 ± 0.60). In conclusion, the data presented here do not support the view that cells of sarcomas show unusual radiation resistance. To the extent that the in vitro determined cellular radiation sensitivity reflects the tumor response in vivo, the success rate for radiation applied against sarcoma and breast carcinoma of comparable size could be similar. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Latitudes of Masculinity: Reactions to Sex-Role Deviance in Men

The popular assumption that the male role, as traditionally defined in our society, is narrowly defined and that men who deviate from that role risk devaluation is reexamined. Two studies are presented which did not support the hypothesis that the adult male role is restrictive. A review of the literature relevant to the latitudes of acceptable masculine behavior is presented and a reconceptualization of the definition of the adult male role is proposed.
Automatic control of a robotic vehicle

Over the last several years Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been engaged in a project to develop some of the technology required to build a robotic vehicle for exploring planetary surfaces. An overview of hardware and software being developed for this project is given. Particular emphasis is placed on the description of the current design for the Vehicle System required for locomotion and the path planning algorithm.
Quantum deconstruction of the infrared spectrum of CH5

We present two quantum calculations of the infrared spectrum of protonated methane (CH5+) using full-dimensional, ab initio-based potential energy and dipole moment surfaces. The calculated spectra compare well with a low-resolution experimental spectrum except below 1000 cm(-1), where the experimental spectrum shows no absorption. The present calculations find substantial absorption features below 1000 cm(-1), in qualitative agreement with earlier classical calculations of the spectrum. The major spectral bands are analyzed in terms of the molecular motions. Of particular interest is an intense feature at 200 cm(-1), which is due to an isomerization mode that connects two equivalent minima. Very recent high-resolution jet-cooled spectra in the CH stretch region (2825 to 3050 cm(-1)) are also reported, and assignments of the band origins are made, based on the present quantum calculations.
Optimizing the ellipsometric analysis of a transparent layer on glass

In this work we show how to choose optimum analysis conditions to analyze a transparent film on a transparent substrate where the index of refraction for the film is not very different from that of the substrate. We show that there are three ‘zones’ from which to choose the angle of incidence and that one should choose one angle in each zone. We discuss theoretically the basis of these three zones and how to determine the boundaries. Oxynitride on glass and polymer on glass are used as examples and the data and analysis are shown. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presentation Level and the Attentional Workload of Comprehending Verbal Messages: Implications for Design of Verbal Warnings:

Verbal warnings are designed to alert as well as provide information to an operator who is likely to be performing several simultaneous tasks. Yet, research generally ignores the potential of presentation intensity to alter the attentional demands placed on the operator by verbal warnings in multi-task environments. Results of the current investigation demonstrate that as the presentation intensity of speech stimuli decreased from 70 to 50 dB, participants made more auditory processing errors, but only when required to perform a simultaneous simulated driving task. Auditory task performance did not differ significantly between conditions in single task trials. However, as signal presentation level decreased, participants made significantly more incorrect responses in both an auditory mental arithmetic task and a sentence processing task while driving performance remained unchanged. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the design of verbal displays and warnings for use in transportation...
TU-C-9A-01: IROC Organization and Clinical Trial Credentialing

As a response to recommendations from a report from the Institute of Medicine, NCI is reorganizing it clinical trial groups into a National Clinical Trial Network (NCTN) that consists of four adult groups (Alliance, ECOGACRIN, NRG, and SWOG) and one children’s group (COG). NRG will house CIRO, a center to promote innovative radiation therapy research and intergroup collaboration in radiation. The quality assurance groups that support clinical trials have also been restructured. ITC, OSU Imaging corelab, Philadelphia Imaging core-lab, QARC, RPC, and RTOGQA have joined together to create the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) Group. IROC’s mission is to provide integrated radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging quality control programs in support of the NCI’s NCTN thereby assuring high quality data for clinical trials designed to improve the clinical outcomes for cancer patients worldwide. This will be accomplished through five core services: site qualification, trial design support, credentialing, data management, case review.These changes are important for physicist participating in NCI clinical trials to understand. We will describe in detail the IROC’s activities and five core services so that as a user, the medical physicist can learn how to efficiently utilize this group. We will describe common pitfalls encountered in credentialingmore » for current protocols and present methods to avoid them. These may include the which benchmarks are required for NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304 and how to plan them as well as tips for phantom planning. We will explain how to submit patient and phantom cases in the TRIAD system used by IROC. Learning Objectives: To understand the basic organization of IROC, its mission and five core services To learn how to use TRIAD for patient and phantom data submission To learn how to avoid common pitfalls in credentialing for current trials.« less
Reducing program image size by extracting frozen code and data

Constraints on the memory size of embedded systems require reducing the image size of executing programs. Common techniques include code compression and reduced instruction sets. We propose a novel technique that eliminates large portions of the executable image without compromising execution time (due to decompression) or code generation (due to reduced instruction sets). Frozen code and data portions are identified using profiling techniques and removed from the loadable image. They are replaced with branches to code stubs that load them in the unlikely case that they are accessed. The executable is sustained in a runnable mode.Analysis of the frozen portions reveals that most are error and uncommon input handlers. Only a minority of the code (less than 1%) that was identified as frozen during a training run, is also accessed with production datasets.The technique was applied on three benchmark suites (SPEC CINT2000, SPEC CFP2000, and MediaBench) and results in image size reductions of up to 73%, 92%, and 85% per suite, The average reductions are 59%, 79%, and 78% per suite.
A New Undergraduate Power Program to Meet the Needs of Students and Employers

This paper presents the results of a project to develop a new undergraduate power program. The goals for the program are discussed. The final program is discussed and shown as a block diagram.
A unified picture for the γ‐ray and prompt optical emissions of GRB 990123

The prompt optical emission of GRB 990123 was uncorrelated to the γ-ray light curve and exhibited temporal properties similar to those of the steeply decaying, early X-ray emission observed by Swift at the end of many bursts. These facts suggest that the optical counterpart of GRB 990123 was the large-angle emission released during (the second pulse of) the burst. If the optical and γ-ray emissions of GRB 990123 have, indeed, the same origin then their properties require that (i) the optical counterpart was synchrotron emission and γ-rays arose from inverse-Compton scatterings (the 'synchrotron self-Compton model'), (ii) the peak energy of the optical-synchrotron component was at ∼20 eV and (iii) the burst emission was produced by a relativistic outflow moving at Lorentz factor ≥450 and at a radius ≥10 15 cm, which is comparable to the outflow deceleration radius. Because the spectrum of GRB 990123 was optically thin above 2 keV, the magnetic field behind the shock must have decayed on a length-scale of < 1 per cent of the thickness of the shocked gas, which corresponds to 10 6 -10 7 plasma skin depths. Consistency of the optical counterpart decay rate and its spectral slope (or that of the burst, if they represent different spectral components) with the expectations for the large-angle burst emission represents the most direct test of the unifying picture proposed here for GRB 990123.
Strain rate and strain rate history effects on the dynamic behavior of metallic materials

Abstract The constitutive equations for strain hardening (f.c.c. metals and alloys) and strain softening-hardening metallic materials (b.c.c. metals and alloys) have been developed. The development is within the framework of the endochronic theory of viscoplasticity. In this discussion, the intrinsic time is dependent on the plastic strain rate. The strain rate and the strain rate history effects have been investigated. Sets of constant-strain-rate stress-strain curves have been theoretically obtained for both classes of metallic materials mentioned. The strain rate history effect is studied in terms of low-high and high-low strain rate change test sequences. For a fixed strain rate history in the case of strain hardening materials, a similar pattern of subsequent material behavior is obtained, independent of the strain magnitude at which the strain rate change takes place. However, in the case of strain softening-hardening materials, the strain magnitude at which the strain rate change occurs affects the subsequent material behavior. Theoretical results are compared with experimental data found in the literature.
IRAK-M expression limits dendritic cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine production in response to Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects the gastric mucosa and persists for the life of the host. Bacterial persistence may be due to the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) whichmay have protective effects against other diseases such as asthma. It has been shown that H. pylori modulates the T cell response through dendritic cell reprogramming but the molecular pathways involved are relatively unknown. The goal of this study was to identify critical elements of dendritic cell (DC) activation and evaluate potential influence on immune activation. Microarray analysis was used to demonstrate limited gene expression changes in H. pylori stimulated bone marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) compared to the BMDCs stimulated with E. coli. IRAK-M, a negative regulator of TLR signaling, was upregulated and we selectedit for investigation of its role in modulating the DC and T cell responses. IRAK-M−/− and wild type BMDC were compared for their response to H. pylori. Cells lacking IRAK-M produced significantly greater amounts of proinflammatory MIP-2 and reduced amounts of immunomodulatory IL-10 than wild type BMDC. IRAK-M−/− cells also demonstrated increased MHC II expression upon activation. However, IRAK-M−/− BMDCs were comparable to wild type BMDCs in inducing T-helper 17 (TH17) and Treg responses as demonstrated in vitro using BMDC CD4+ T cells co-culture assays,and in vivo though the adoptive transfer of CD4+ FoxP3-GFP T cells into H. pylori infected IRAK-M−/− mice. These results suggest that H. pylori infection leads to the upregulation of anti-inflammatory molecules like IRAK-M and that IRAK-M has a direct impact on innate functions in DCs such as cytokine and costimulation molecule upregulation but may not affect T cell skewing.
A comparison of address point, parcel and street geocoding techniques

The widespread availability of powerful geocoding tools in commercial GIS software and the interest in spatial analysis at the individual level have made address geocoding a widely employed technique in many different fields. The most commonly used approach to geocoding employs a street network data model, in which addresses are placed along a street segment based on a linear interpolation of the location of the street number within an address range. Several alternatives have emerged, including the use of address points and parcels, but these have not received widespread attention in the literature. This paper reviews the foundation of geocoding and presents a framework for evaluating geocoding quality based on completeness, positional accuracy and repeatability. Geocoding quality was compared using three address data models: address points, parcels and street networks. The empirical evaluation employed a variety of different address databases for three different Counties in Florida. Results indicate that address point geocoding produces geocoding match rates similar to those observed for street network geocoding. Parcel geocoding generally produces much lower match rates, in particular for commercial and multi-family residential addresses. Variability in geocoding match rates between address databases and between geographic areas is substantial, reinforcing the need to strengthen the development of standards for address reference data and improved address data entry validation procedures.
Reconciling the von Liebig and Differentiable Crop Production Functions

Two commonly used forms for crop response to inputs are a smooth, differentiable production function and a linear response and plateau (LRP) model. This paper reconciles these two views by showing that smooth functions can be derived by aggregating the effects of heterogenous inputs on LRP functions. Data on corn growth are used to test two specific aggregations.
Phytoplankton pigment patterns and wind forcing off central California

Mesoscale variability in phytoplankton pigment distributions of central California during the spring-summer upwelling season are studied via a 4-yr time series of high-resolution coastal zone color scanner imagery. Empirical orthogonal functions are used to decompose the time series of spatial images into its dominant modes of variability. The coupling between wind forcing of the upper ocean and phytoplankton distribution on mesoscales is investigated. Wind forcing, in particular the curl of the wind stress, was found to play an important role in the distribution of phytoplankton pigment in the California Current. The spring transition varies in timing and intensity from year to year but appears to be a recurrent feature associated with the rapid onset of the upwelling-favorable winds. Although the underlying dynamics may be dominated by processes other than forcing by wind stress curl, it appears that curl may force the variability of the filaments and hence the pigment patterns.
Effect of Laparotomy on the Swallow-Breathing Relationship in the Cat

Swallow occurs predominantly in the expira- tory phase (E) of breathing. This phase preference is thought to contribute to airway protection by limiting the passage of material through the pharyngeal airway with little or no inspiratory (I) airflow. This phase preference is attributed to central interactions between the swallow and breathing pattern generators. We speculated that changes in peripheral mechanical factors would influence the respira- tory phase preference for swallow initiation. We induced swallowing in anesthetized spontaneously breathing cats by injection of water into the oropharynx. In animals with intact abdomens, 83 % of swallows were initiated during E, 7 % during I, 7 % during E-I phase transition, and 3 % during I-E transition. In animals with open anterior midline laparotomy, only 38 % of swallows were initiated during E, 33 % during I, 17 % during the E-I transition, and 12 % during I-E. The results support an important role for feedback from somatic and/or visceral thoraco-abdominal mechanoreceptors for swallow-breathing coordination after laparotomy.
A comparison of wound instillation and caudal block for analgesia following pediatric inguinal herniorrhaphy

Regional analgesia, in a variety of forms, has been shown to afford effective postoperative pain relief after pediatric inguinal hernia repair. This study compares the efficacy of wound instillation with 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 20), caudal block with 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 35), and a control group (n = 15). Outcome parameters examined include total operating room time, time to extubation, postoperative objective pain scales, and requirement for supplemental analgesics. Patients who received caudal blocks had significantly decreased emergence times (P < .002), exhibited fewer pain-related behaviors postoperatively (P < .0025), and required less narcotic to maintain normal hemodynamics (P < .05). Operating room time was not statistically different between the three groups. The use of perioperative analgesic blocks resulted in quicker awakening, a more comfortable postoperative course, and potentially earlier discharge from same-day surgery.
Electrodynamic trapping and manipulation of ice crystals

We have developed a double-ring double-disk electrodynamic balance with humidity control provided by an internal thermal diffusion chamber to study several atmospherically important processes involving 10-200 μm ice particles. the balance constants needed to quantify the particle size and mass were determined by a three-dimensional relaxation-method calculation of the non-axisymmetric electric fields, and by experimental measurement of the onset of particle stability using polystyrene latex microspheres of known size and mass. We have levitated frost particles of various shapes and sizes under a range of atmospherically relevant temperature and humidity conditions. the measured mass changes during growth and sublimation are consistent with predictions based on vapour and thermal diffusion to equivalent spheres. the electrodynamic balance is shown to be a useful tool for exploring single particle growth and sublimation rates, and for measuring their light-scattering characteristics.
Los Angeles Literature: Exiles, Natives, and (Mis)Representation

Any baseball fan knows that Dodger Stadium is one of the truly great places to see a game. If you catch it on one of the sea- son's (three or four) clear and relatively smog-free evenings, you can view downtown to the south and the Elysian Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north; and if you pay enough attention, you can witness the field literally turning gold as the fading sunshine blends twilight with stadium lights, soaking the playing surface in early-inning amber. The actual sporting event will also tell you much about the city's character, especially in terms of the dual and often multiple identities characterizing its citizens. When you watch, for example, a game between the Dodgers and the Cubs, you will always observe a significant portion of the crowd cheering for the Cubs; the same goes for games against the Mets, the Cardinals, the Giants, etc. The reason for this strange occurrence has to do with the fact that so many transplants make up the city's population, meaning that former Chicagoans are now LA-Chicagoans, if they accept the first half of the hyphenation at all. Los Angeles is today, as it has been throughout its modern history, a city of immigrants and emigres, a city in movement, a city of motion. The Dodger Stadium crowd serves as an analog for the trad- itional view of the Los Angeles literary scene, historically peopled by transient writers living in Los Angeles and writing screenplays while railing against the motion-picture industry and the city itself. Disillu- sioned with Los Angeles and nostalgic for their former homelands, which they identify as deeper and more meaningful, they live and write as exiles highly critical of their new home, especially as it has been presented by its boosters and the propagators of the sunshine mythology. 1 Traditionally, this criticism has most characteristically been embodied in the noir anti-myth as presented by the likes of James
Required Reading: Sociology's Most Influential Books

Required Reading: Sociology's Most Influential Books. Dan Clawson. ed. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1998. 221 pp.
Inhibition of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Epithelial Cell Interactions by Vaginal Lactobacillus Species

High levels of Lactobacillus, the dominant genus of the healthy human vaginal microbiota, have been epidemiologically linked to a reduced risk of infection following exposure to the sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In this work, a cell culture model of gonococcal infection was adapted to examine the effects of lactobacilli on gonococcal interactions with endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. Precolonization of epithelial cells with Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 33323, or L. gasseri ATCC 9857 reduced gonococcal adherence by nearly 50%. Lactobacilli also inhibited gonococcal invasion of epithelial cells by more than 60%, which was independent of the effect on adherence. Furthermore, lactobacilli were able to displace adherent gonococci from epithelial cells, suggesting that these organisms have potential as a postexposure prophylactic. Thus, vaginal lactobacilli have the ability to inhibit gonococci at two key steps of an infection, which might have a significant effect in determining whether the gonococcus will be able to successfully establish an infection following exposure in vivo.
Subcellular localization of the hypusine-containing eukaryotic initiation factor 5A by immunofluorescent staining and green fluorescent protein tagging.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) is the only protein in nature that contains hypusine, an unusual amino acid residue formed posttranslationally by deoxyhypusine synthase and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase. Although the eIF-5A gene is essential for cell survival and proliferation, the precise function and localization of eIF-5A remain unclear. In this study, we have determined the subcellular distribution of eIF-5A by indirect immunofluorescent staining and by direct visualization of green fluorescent protein tagged eIF-5A (GFP-eIF5A). Immunofluorescent staining of the formaldehyde-fixed cells showed that eIF-5A was present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Only the nuclear eIF-5A was resistant to Triton extraction. Direct visualization of GFP tagged eIF-5A in living cells revealed the same whole-cell distribution pattern. However, a fusion of an additional pyruvate kinase (PK) moiety into GFP-eIF-5A precluded the nuclear localization of GFP-PK-eIF-5A fusion protein. Fusion of the GFP-PK tag with three different domains of eIF-5A also failed to reveal any nuclear localization of the fusion proteins, suggesting the absence of receptor-mediated nuclear import. Using interspecies heterokaryon fusion assay, we could detect the nuclear export of GFP-Rev, but not of GFP-eIF-5A. The whole-cell distribution pattern of eIF-5A was recalcitrant to the treatments that included energy depletion, heat shock, and inhibition of transcription, translation, polyamine synthesis, or CRM1-dependent nuclear export. Collectively, our data indicate that eIF-5A gains nuclear entry via passive diffusion, but it does not undergo active nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. J. Cell. Biochem. 86: 590–600, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predictability of load/store instruction latencies

Due to increasing cache-miss latencies, cache control instructions are being implemented for future systems. The authors study the memory referencing behavior of individual machine-level instructions using simulations of fully-associative caches under MIN replacement. Their objective is to obtain a deeper understanding of useful program behavior that can be eventually employed at optimizing programs and to motivate architectural features aimed at improving the efficacy of memory hierarchies. The simulation results show that a very small number of load/store instructions account for a majority of data cache misses. Specifically, fewer than 10 instructions account for half the misses for six out of nine SPEC89 benchmarks. Selectively prefetching data referenced by a small number of instructions identified through profiling can reduce overall miss ratio significantly while only incurring a small number of unnecessary prefetches. >
Developing Cognitive and Creative Skills through Art: Programs for Children with Communication Disorders or Learning Disabilities (3rd ed.)

(1990). Developing Cognitive and Creative Skills through Art: Programs for Children with Communication Disorders or Learning Disabilities (3rd ed.) Art Therapy: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 142-143.
Is obesity a risk factor for prostate cancer, and does it even matter? A hypothesis and different perspective

Measurement of obesity is not as simple as its definition. Currently, several methods of measuring obesity are used in clinical studies. Skinfold thickness, crude weight, lean body mass (LBM), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) are some of the more popular methods, but each contains its inherent strengths and flaws. In general, the results of the largest studies on prostate cancer and obesity have not been conclusive. One of the largest studies found an inverse relation to prostate cancer in the youngest age groups. The age and duration of obesity or any rapid changes in weight gain, along with other unhealthy exposures, may have some relation to prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Early intrinsic or extrinsic exposure to estrogen or estrogenlike compounds may provide a protective effect. The timing and duration of a higher estrogen and/or lower testosterone exposure may have a beneficial or detrimental impact on the prognosis of an established prostate tumor. Negative exposures over time such as low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a greater exposure to growth factors, elevated insulin levels, greater sympathetic activity, higher cholesterol levels, immune system dysfunction, inadequate diets, smoking status, and other factors may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and other diseases. Obesity may also be associated with other cancers for similar and different reasons. For example, morbidity and mortality from postmenopausal breast cancer, colon, kidney, and other cancers are potentially associated with obesity. Other comorbidities such as cataracts, coronary heart disease, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and others are also associated with obesity. The 2 largest prospective studies on BMI and overall mortality have also demonstrated the substantial negative impact of excess weight on society. Prostate cancer risk and obesity need further research to establish if a true association exists, but at this time, does it really matter? Overall, the profound adverse effect of being obese on general health is dramatic, and this is what clinicians and patients need to remember.
Recognition of Articulated Objects in SAR Images

This paper presents an approach for recognizing articulated vehicles in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images based on invariant properties of the objects. Using SAR scattering center locations and magnitudes as features, the invariance of these features with articulation (e.g. turret rotation of a tank) is shown for SAR signatures of actual vehicles from the MSTAR (Public) data. Although related to geometric hashing, our recognition approach is specifically designed for SAR, taking into account the great azimuthal variation and moderate articulation invariance of SAR signatures. We present a recognition system, using scatterer locations and magnitudes, that achieves excellent results with the real SAR targets in the MSTAR data. The articulation invariant properties of the objects are used to characterize recognition system performance in terms of probability of correct identification as a function of percent invariance with articulation. Results are also presented for occluded articulated objects.
Numerical Simulations of Carbon and Nitrogen Composition-Depth Profiles in Nitrocarburized Austenitic Stainless Steels

Unusual composition-depth profiles have been observed after low-temperature nitrocarburization of austenitic stainless steels. When nitridation is performed after carburization, the carbon concentration in the nitrogen diffusion zone is reduced from ≈10 to ≈2 at. pct. Conversely, the carbon concentration in advance of the nitrogen diffusion zone is as high as 10 at. pct. This has been called a “push” effect of nitrogen on carbon, but this concept is non-physical. The profiles can be better understood from conventional thermodynamic principles, recognizing that (1) diffusion always occurs in response to gradients in chemical potentials and (2) the diffusivity of interstitial solutes in austenite is strongly concentration dependent, increasing dramatically with higher solute concentrations. Parameters from the CALPHAD literature quantitatively indicate that interstitial nitrogen and carbon in austenitic stainless steel mutually increase their chemical potentials. Based on these data, we have conducted numerical simulations of composition-depth profiles that correctly account for the chemical potential gradients and the concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficients for nitrogen and carbon. The simulations predict the “push” effect observed on nitridation after carburization, as well as the corresponding composition-depth profiles for other scenarios, e.g., carburization followed by nitridation or simultaneous nitridation and carburization (nitrocarburization).
Revenge Of The Property Owners: Community Development and the Politics of Property

ABSTRACT:This study examines the conflict between inner city property owners and lower income tenants for control of neighborhood development agendas and community-based organizations. Utilizing a case study of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the authors investigated neighborhood conflicts over community revitalization. In a number of neighborhoods in the two cities, the community organization has come to be dominated by property owners espousing an “ideology of property” hostile to affordable housing. This has led to tension and conflict between neighborhood organizations pursuing owner interests and community development corporations focusing on low income housing.
Role of serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety disorders.

There is abundant evidence for abnormalities of the norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT) neurotransmitter systems in depression and anxiety disorders. The majority of evidence supports underactivation of serotonergic function and complex dysregulation of noradrenergic function, most consistent with overactivation of this system. Treatment for these disorders requires perturbation of these systems. Reproducible increases in serotonergic function and decreases in noradrenergic function accompany treatment with antidepressants, and these alterations may be necessary for antidepressant efficacy. Dysregulation of these systems clearly mediates many symptoms of depression and anxiety. The underlying causes of these disorders, however, are less likely to be found within the NE and 5HT systems, per se. Rather their dysfunction is likely due to their role in modulating, and being modulated by, other neurobiologic systems that together mediate the symptoms of affective illness. Clarification of noradrenergic and serotonergic modulation of various brain regions may yield a greater understanding of specific symptomatology, as well as the underlying circuitry involved in euthymic and abnormal mood and anxiety states. Disrupted cortical regulation may mediate impaired concentration and memory, together with uncontrollable worry. Hypothalamic abnormalities likely contribute to altered appetite, libido, and autonomic symptoms. Thalamic and brainstem dysregulation contributes to altered sleep and arousal states. Finally, abnormal modulation of cortical-hippocampal-amygdala pathways may contribute to chronically hypersensitive stress and fear responses, possibly mediating features of anxiety, anhedonia, aggression, and affective dyscontrol. The continued appreciation of the neural circuitry mediating affective states and their modulation by neurotransmitter systems should further the understanding of the pathophysiology of affective and anxiety disorders. Depression and Anxiety, Volume 12, Supplement 1:2–19, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Accountability and health systems: toward conceptual clarity and policy relevance

Improved accountability is often called for as an element in improving health system performance. At first glance, the notion of better accountability seems straightforward, but it contains a high degree of complexity. If accountability is to be more than an empty buzzword, conceptual and analytical clarity is required. This article elaborates a definition of accountability in terms of answerability and sanctions, and distinguishes three types of accountability: financial, performance and political/democratic. An analytic framework for mapping accountability is proposed that identifies linkages among health sector actors and assesses capacity to demand and supply information and exercise oversight and sanctions. The article describes three accountability purposes: reducing abuse, assuring compliance with procedures and standards, and improving performance/learning. Using an accountability lens can: (1) help to generate a system-wide perspective on health sector reform, (2) identify connections among individual improvement interventions, and (3) reveal gaps requiring policy attention. These results can enhance system performance, improve service delivery and contribute to sound policymaking.