cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uniqueness in linear elastostatics for problems involving unbounded bodies

The problem of the uniqueness of elastostatic solutions to various boundary value problems involving unbounded two- and three-dimensional bodies is considered. The general boundary value problem is first considered for anisotropic bodies on which the elasticity tensor is uniformly positive definite. The displacement problem is then considered for the cases where the body is homogeneous and isotropic and the elasticity tensor is strongly-elliptic. Finally, the traction problem on homogeneous, isotropic bodies is considered with fairly little restriction placed on the Lame moduli. In the first two cases no restriction is placed on the geometry of the body other than the normal assumptions allowing for the use of the divergence theorem. For the traction problem, however, it is assumed that one component of the outward normal to the boudary of the body almost never vanishes. In each case it is shown that the desired uniqueness results hold with fairly mild restrictions placed on the displacement or stress fields (depending on the problem) in a neighborhood of infinity. Where possible, the results are shown to hold even though the solutions may possess the sort of discontinuities and singularities commonly found in problems involving cracks, corners, and bonded interfaces.
National survey of pharmacy services in free medical clinics.

Abstract Objectives To characterize the current model of pharmacy services in free clinics, identify the extent to which free clinics serve as training sites for student pharmacists and residents, elucidate pharmacy service gaps in free clinics, and compare results to a 2001 survey. Design Descriptive, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study. Setting Free medical clinics in the United States in early 2008. Participants Clinics registered at www.freeclinicfoundation.org. Intervention A 26-point questionnaire addressed clinic and pharmacy demographics, pharmacy services, medication storage and distribution processes, and systems management. Survey invitations were sent via postal mail, with responses submitted via hardcopy or online (Survey Monkey). Nonresponders received a second mailing 4 weeks later. Main outcome measures Characteristics determined by survey responses. Results 42% of clinics responded (216 of 518). The median annual clinic budget was $145,000, with 1% to 20% spent on medications. Of responding clinics, 30% had a licensed pharmacy that was staffed on average by 3.4 pharmacist volunteers and 0.1 pharmacist employees. Of the 83.5% (177 of 212) that dispensed drugs, clinics filled 67 prescriptions per day with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and anti-infective agents as top classes. Pharmacy personnel provided mainly traditional (e.g., distributive) services (61.1%), and 19.3% of clinics trained student pharmacists. Since 2001, the number of clinics (355 vs. 518) and prescriptions dispensed (29 vs. 67 per day) increased but the percentage with a licensed pharmacy (33% vs. 30%) and mean number of pharmacist volunteers/employees (3.8/0.1 vs. 3.4/0.1) remained constant. Conclusion The model of free clinic pharmacy services is a modified community practice. Pharmacy personnel have the opportunity to expand their role and pharmacy practice in free clinics.
'Through the magic of authentic reproduction': tourists' perceptions of authenticity in a pioneer village.

As a concept, authenticity is widely debated across tourism studies and theoretically approached from numerous perspectives. This mixed-method qualitative study utilizes a constructivist framework for examining tourists' motivations, perceptions of authenticity and landscape experience in a self-proclaimed ‘authentic reproduction’ pioneer community. Spring Mill Pioneer Village is the original location of the former village; however, as a heritage landscape, it is composed of restorations, reproductions, and replicas of nineteenth-century structures. Thus, it is an appropriate case study for the examination of tourists' perceptions of authenticity. Moreover, tourists note authenticity as a motivating factor in their decision to visit the village, yet they define the concept in numerous ways. As a result, tourists’ pioneer community experience is governed by more than their perceptions of authenticity, but engages the village landscape, active atmosphere and their own imaginations.
Dermatoses of pregnancy.

The dermatoses of pregnancy can be classified into the following 3 groups: physiologic skin changes in pregnancy, dermatoses and cutaneous tumors affected by pregnancy, and specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Correct diagnosis and classification are essential for the treatment of these disorders, when necessary. Laboratory investigations are required when the diagnosis remains in question despite a careful history and thorough physical examination. A discussion with the pregnant woman about the nature of her skin condition, and the possible fetal risks associated with it, is imperative. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:1-19.) Learning objective: At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the dermatoses of pregnancy and the proposed classification of them into 3 main categories. Participants should also have a better understanding of the current knowledge of these conditions to aid in evaluating the patient with a pregnancy dermatosis.
Thematization and sentence retrieval

The effectiveness of words from sentences as retrieval prompts for sentence meaning is shown to depend upon thematization. When a sentence was presented in isolation, without context, and when the imagery and concreteness of the subject-noun and object-noun were high and equal, there was no difference between the two nouns in prompt effectiveness. For example, in The serfs rebelled against the baron, serfs and baron were equally good prompts for retrieval of the sentence. When the sentence appeared at the end of a paragraph, the retrieval power of both nouns was greatly increased. However when the subject ( serfs ) was the theme of the paragraph, the subject was a much better prompt than the object. When the object ( baron ) was the theme, subject and object were again equal. These results are explained in terms of the discourse function of thematization.
Note on the signal for chromatolysis after nerve interruption

Abstract The hypothesis of a specific substance released from degenerating nerve into the blood to initiate chromatolysis was investigated. The sciatic nerve and its muscular field was removed in one group of cats and sciatic nerves inserted into another. Chromatolysis was compared to those in which the sciatic nerve was crushed. No evidence for a blood circulated agent was found.
Exploring nursing issues in rural hospitals.

Objective: To explore the impact of legislative, strategic, and organizational changes on nursing in rural hospitals since 1995. Background: Rural hospitals have faced decreasing financial margins. This economic pressure is due to multiple reasons, and is a major issue for nurse executives. Nurse executives are responsible for assuring quality of nursing care. Nursing care affects patient outcomes. The impact of legislative, economic, and strategy decisions on nursing in rural hospitals is unknown. Methods: A focus group was conducted with 11 nurse executives from rural hospitals who attended the American Organization of Nurse Executives Annual Meeting held on April 20, 2004. Results: Themes from the content analysis were grouped into 3 major categories: external environmental (physical isolation, patient population, services needed, legislation), internal organizational (patient acuity, volume, services, technology, financial margin and strategy, staffing, leadership, culture, and resources), and nursing infrastructure (staffing, salary, registered nurse-physician conflict, continuity of care, competency, culture, politics and leadership). Conclusions: Nurse executives in rural hospitals face distinctive issues and challenges. Further study of the impact of policy and strategy decisions on rural nursing is needed.
BODY COMPOSITION IN PREGNANCY

Concern over the influence of pregnancy-related alterations in hydration has prompted questions regarding the accuracy of using standard methods of determining body composition. We sought to investigate whether differences exist between body composition determined at 30 weeks and 39 weeks of gestation and postpartum, when measured by both bioelectrical impedance and hydrostatic weighing. This preliminary assessment of nine subjects suggests that the method used to calculate body composition during pregnancy can alter the influence of gestational age on body composition. The mechanisms underlying the differing results bear further investigation, as does the search for an accurate and reliable method for assessing body composition during pregnancy. Further research addressing these mechanisms is crucial to determining the relationship between changes in maternal fat and both maternal and fetal well-being.
Effects of ginkgolide B and Ginkgo biloba extract on local cerebral glucose utilization in the awake adult rat

The effects of the extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba and of one of its major components, Ginkgolide B, on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) have been studied in the awake adult rat. Ginkgolide B (10 mg/kg i.p.) had no significant effect on LCGU in 38 brain regions studied. In contrast, the Ginkgo biloba extract (150 mg/kg i.p. in 3 divided doses) produced significant and widespread decreases in LCGU in 21 brain regions (range 3–26% reduction). These results demonstrate that Ginkgo biloba is able to reduce brain glucose utilization, but that the substance responsible for this effect may not be Ginkgolide B.
Reversal of Intractable Acute Severe Asthma by First-Trimester Termination of Pregnancy

A 19-year-old woman was admitted with acute severe asthma in her eleventh week of pregnancy. Despite vigorous therapy, severe hypoventilation and hypoxemia persisted with mechanical ventilation. Termination of pregnancy resulted in dramatic improvement in airflow. Her course was complicated by pneumonia, barotrauma, and atelectasis accompanying her moribund state. Although she immediately improved following abortion (within 2 hr, peak airway pressure fell from > 70 to 38 cmH2O, without change in plateau pressure), superimposed morbidities improved more slowly, and the patient made a complete recovery. The mechanism accounting for this observation is unknown but the rapid improvement following abortion suggests that increased bronchomotor tone predominated inflammatory changes in causing flow limitation.
On central collineations of derived semifield planes

LetG denote the collineation group generated by the set of all affine central collineations in a derived semifield plane. We present a characterization of the Hall planes in terms of the order ofG. This essentially allows the extension of the theorems of Kirkpatrick and Rahilly on generalized Hall planes to arbitrary derived semifield planes. That is, a derived semifield plane of order q2 is a Hall plane precisely when it admits q+1 involutory central collineations.
Molecular recognition. Design of new receptors for complexation and catalysis

Abstract In recent years there has been intense activity in the design of synthetic molecules capable of enzyme-like recognition and binding of small substrates.1 Two fundamental approaches have been taken. The first has generally involved non-directional binding forces (such as solvophobic, π-stacking and dispersion interactions) in water-soluble cyclophane frameworks.2 This approach led to extremely important quantitative insights into the hydrophobic effect and the enthalpic and entropic contributions of solvent reorganization to binding.3 However, the weakly oriented nature of the binding interactions has resulted in only moderate substrate selectivity beyond the shape recognition permitted by the cavity. In nature such selectivity is a prerequisite for the chiral recognition and catalytic activity of enzymes and is achieved by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The second major approach to artificial receptors makes use of these more directional interactions by incorporating several hyd...
Minireview: translocator protein (TSPO) and steroidogenesis: a reappraisal.

The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), also known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a transmembrane protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane. TSPO has long been described as being indispensable for mitochondrial cholesterol import that is essential for steroid hormone production. In contrast to this initial proposition, recent experiments reexamining TSPO function have demonstrated that it is not involved in steroidogenesis. This fundamental change has forced a reexamination of the functional interpretations made for TSPO that broadly impacts both basic and clinical research across multiple fields. In this minireview, we recapitulate the key studies from 25 years of TSPO research and concurrently examine their limitations that perhaps led towards the incorrect association of TSPO and steroid hormone production. Although this shift in understanding raises new questions regarding the molecular function of TSPO, these recent developments are poised to have a significant positive impact for re...
Teicoplanin Compared with Vancomycin for Treatment of Experimental Endocarditis Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis

This study compared teicoplanin with vancomycin without and with gentamicin and/or rifampin for treatment of experimental endocarditis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. In rabbits treated for three days and killed 12 hr after the last doses of antimicrobial agents, no significant difference in reducing bacterial titers of vegetations was detected between vancomycin and teicoplanin without and with gentamicin and/or rifampin. Addition of gentamicin and/or rifampin to vancomycin or teicoplanin significantly reduced bacterial titers of vegetations compared with vancomycin or teicoplanin alone. Addition of rifampin alone or gentamicin plus rifampin was significantly more effective than addition of gentamicin alone. In rabbits treated for three days and killed seven days after the last doses of antimicrobial agents, no significant difference in sterilizing vegetations was detected between vancomycin and teicoplanin with gentamicin and/or rifampin. However, there was a trend (probably due to the longer elimination half-life of teicoplanin in serum) that clearly favored teicoplanin over vancomycin. Teicoplanin plus rifampin without or with gentamicin is at least as effective as vancomycin plus rifampin without or with gentamicin for treatment of experimental endocarditis due to methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis.
Black Substantive Representation in State Legislatures from 1971–1994*

Objective. To determine if increased black descriptive representation in state legislatures has resulted in greater influence over policy outputs. Methods. I examine state budgets over a 24-year period, comparing changes in spending priorities within budgets. Results. The results demonstrate that increased black representation has resulted in state legislatures giving greater priority to policy areas important to black elected officials. Conclusion. When measured correctly, increased descriptive representation can result in increased substantive representation in large political institutions.
Spectrally efficient multiuser space-time modulation

To achieve full transmit diversity for a single user with N/sub T/ antennas the coherence time of the channel has to be at least N/sub T/ time-slots long. The same minimum number of slots (or dimensions) guarantees full transmit diversity for every user in a "narrowband" multiuser system in which all users communicate simultaneously and occupy the same bandwidth. However, with an increase in the number of users, an increasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is required of each user to achieve the same error probability as in the single-user case. We showed earlier that this SNR penalty can be alleviated, and even eliminated for sufficiently high SNR, with only a marginal increase of the bandwidth and a judicious design of "spreading matrices" that spread a single-user space-time constellation or (block-) code. In other words, such signaling exploits multiuser diversity and ensures that each user enjoys single-user like performance for sufficiently high SNR. For instance, for N/sub T/-transmit antennas per user and a single-user space-time constellation that requires only the minimum time-slots N/sub T/, no more than N/sub T/+1 slots are required for the common signal space of any number of users. We present here simplified design criteria to obtain the spreading sequences/matrices. We also show that the optimum multiuser receiver can be implemented by the (generalized) sphere decoder of Damen et al. (see IEE Electronics Letters, vol.36, no.2, p.166-167, 2000).
On becoming more clear: a research review with clues to instructors.

This paper reviews research that shows significant links between specific teacher clarity behaviors and student achievement and satisfaction. Behaviors found to be most significantly related to student outcomes of interest are presented, possible instruments for assessing clarity are suggested, and appropriate applications of the research are discussed. While diabetes educators should attend to the results, they should compare and contrast their own situations with those described. The authors believe that knowledge of what has been learned about teacher clarity can be most useful in improving instruction in health care.
THE PRICE OF METAPHOR

In his critical response to our skeptical inquiry, “Does Culture Evolve?” (History and Theory, Theme Issue 38 [December 1999], 52–78), W. G. Runciman affirms that “Culture Does Evolve.” However, we find nothing in his essay that convinces us to alter our initial position. And we must confess that in composing an answer to Runciman, our first temptation was simply to urge those interested to read our original article–both as a basis for evaluating Runciman's attempted refutation of it and as a framework for reading this essay, which addresses in greater detail issues we have already raised. Runciman views the “selectionist paradigm” as a “scientific”“puzzle-solving device” now validated by an “expanding literature” that has successfully modeled social and cultural change as “evolutionary.” All paradigms, however, including scientific ones, give rise to self-validating “normal science.” The real issue, accordingly, is not whether explanations can be successfully manufactured on the basis of paradigmatic assumptions, but whether the paradigmatic assumptions are appropriate to the object of analysis. The selectionist paradigm requires the reduction of society and culture to inheritance systems that consist of randomly varying, individual units, some of which are selected, and some not; and with society and culture thus reduced to inheritance systems, history can be reduced to “evolution.” But these reductions, which are required by the selectionist paradigm, exclude much that is essential to a satisfactory historical explanation–particularly the systemic properties of society and culture and the combination of systemic logic and contingency. Now as before, therefore, we conclude that while historical phenomena can always be modeled selectionistically, selectionist explanations do no work, nor do they contribute anything new except a misleading vocabulary that anesthetizes history.
Survival of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in the murine urinary tract is dependent on OmpR.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) can grow in environments with significantly elevated osmolarities, such as murine and human urinary tracts. OmpR is the response regulator part of a two-component OmpR–EnvZ regulatory system that responds to osmotic stresses. To determine the role of OmpR in UPEC survival, a ΔompR mutant was created in the UPEC clinical isolate NU149. The ΔompR mutant had a growth defect compared with the wild-type strain under osmotic stress conditions; this defect was complemented by the full-length ompR gene on a plasmid, but not with a mutant OmpR with an alanine substitution for aspartic acid at the phosphorylation site at position 55. Furthermore, the ΔompR mutant displayed up to 2-log reduction in bacterial cell numbers in murine bladders and kidneys compared with wild-type bacteria after 5 days of infection. The ability of the bacteria to survive was restored to wild-type levels when the ΔompR mutant strain was complemented with wild-type ompR, but not when the alanine-substituted ompR gene was used. This study has fulfilled molecular Koch's postulates by showing the pivotal role OmpR plays in UPEC survival within the murine urinary tract.
Transforming Power: Expanding the Inheritance of Michel Foucault in Organizational Studies:

Although critical scholars have used the work of Michel Foucault to theorize about organizational power for almost 20 years now, many such scholars see his work as limiting and regulate his ideas to theoretical explorations of domination and resistance. Leaning heavily on the work of Jones (2002), I argue that Foucault’s work has broader usefulness when developed through the process of reinheritance. I illustrate how a reinheritance reading of Foucault’s work on power provides new insights into the enactment of power in organizational life. Such a reinheritance of Foucault broadens organizational theorizing on power to move it beyond domination and discipline and on to pleasure, desire, and choice. Furthermore, my expanded reading of Foucault’s work permits the exploration of relational constructs that are predominately voluntary, nontask related, and pleasurable, yet nonetheless powerful in organizational life.
Very late relapse of germ cell tumor as a teratoma: a case report and review of the literature

Very late relapses of germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare. There are few reports of relapses occurring beyond 20 years of initial treatment. Here we describe a case of a very late relapse of Stage I testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumor 27 years after orchiectomy. The relapse presented as a retroperitoneal mass in the precaval lymph nodes with negative tumor markers. It was resected and pathology confirmed it as metastatic teratoma. This case emphasizes the importance of lifelong surveillance for patients with GCTs.
Risks for opioid abuse and dependence among recipients of chronic opioid therapy: Results from the TROUP Study

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for opioid abuse/dependence in long-term users of opioids for chronic pain, including risk factors for opioid abuse/dependence that can potentially be modified to decrease the likelihood of opioid abuse/dependence, and non-modifiable risk factors for opioid abuse/dependence that may be useful for risk stratification when considering prescribing opioids. Methods We used claims data from two disparate populations, one national, commercially insured population (HealthCore) and one state-based, publicly insured (Arkansas Medicaid). Among users of chronic opioid therapy, we regressed claims-based diagnoses of opioid abuse/dependence on patient characteristics, including physical health, mental health and substance abuse diagnoses, sociodemographic factors, and pharmacological risk factors. Results Among users of chronic opioid therapy, 3% of both the HealthCore and Arkansas Medicaid samples had a claims-based opioid abuse/dependence diagnosis. There was a strong inverse relationship between age and a diagnosis of opioid abuse/dependence. Mental health and substance use disorders were associated with an increased risk of opioid abuse/dependence. Effects of substance use disorders were especially strong, although mental health disorders were more common. Concerning opioid exposure; lower days supply, lower average doses, and use of Schedule III–IV opioids only, were all associated with lower likelihood of a diagnosis of opioid abuse/dependence. Conclusion Opioid abuse and dependence are diagnosed in a small minority of patients receiving chronic opioid therapy, but this may under-estimate actual misuse. Characteristics of the patients and of the opioid therapy itself are associated with the risk of abuse and dependence.
User-Oriented Mathematical Crash Victim Simulator

During recent years, the Highway Safety Research Institute (HSRI) has developed and validated two- and three-dimensional models describing the motions and forces acting upon an occupant during a collision. These inexpensive-to-operate models are performing with approximately 90% accuracy in parametric studies of classical crash configurations. In our own validation procedures, contacts with automobile development and design groups, and discussions with federal agencies, certain shortcomings of mathematical modeling procedures have been isolated. These include primarily the inability of the user to determine and input data to the computer programs and also to specify force, motion, velocity, and acceleration output data in a form applicable to the various vehicle design, human tolerance, and compliance tasks for which the models have been developed. As a part of the development of a new six-mass, three-dimensional crash victim simulator, a user-oriented interactive input/output language (OVERLORD) has been developed and is operational at HSRI. The objective of this tool is to make use of the HSRI and other similar models accessible to persons not highly trained in computer use. The program itself selects and positions the occupant in the vehicle and then automatically conducts the simulation. This is accomplished in a "conversation" between the user and the computer. The program asks the user certain basic questions such as: 1. What percentile occupant do you desire? 2. What is the impact velocity as well as type and direction of impact? 3. What standard vehicle geometry is desired~standard, compact, subcompact? The new three-dimensional model and the OVERLOAD program that prepares the input data, executes the computer run, and submits the output back to the user are described in detail in the paper. Comparisons between the predictions of the new model, predictions of the older HSRI three-dimensional crash victim simulator, and experimental data are included in the paper.
Cervical Kyphosis and Instability Following Multiple Laminectomies in Children

Three cases of kyphosis, instability, and deformity of the cervical spine following multiple laminectomies in children are reported. The factors causing these deformities are discussed and the indications and techniques of stabilization by anterior cervical fusion are described. A procedure to prevent instability after laminectomy is cited.
Analysis of Different Stabilizing Control Systems for Aircraft with Automated Cruise Flaps

Cruise flaps are a promising method of increasing aircraft performance by reducing drag, but their use is restricted to applications where increased pilot workload is not a significant detriment. Recent research has focused on automating the cruise flap to achieve low drag without the increased pilot workload. In this paper, a flap controller developed in an earlier research effort is revisited and is compared with a new controller developed in this effort. The earlier controller uses the current lift coefficient to adjust the flap angle towards the optimum value for minimum profile drag. As shown using static-stability analysis in earlier research, such a controller is unstable unless it is accompanied by an elevator controller that maintains the lift coefficient. The current work revisits this controller and confirms the earlier results using dynamic-stability analysis. A new controller is developed in which the flap angle is adjusted to achieve a desired lift coefficient, leaving the elevator controller to achieve a desired angle of attack as needed to minimize profile drag or any other objective. The new controller has the advantage that it can be implemented to automate multiple flaps along the span of a wing. Dynamic analysis of the aircraft with the new controller is explored in this paper.
SkyNet: Commercial Satellite Data Relay Solutions

The need for higher data rates and greater amounts of information transfer is quickly exceeding the capabilities of current data relay satellite systems. This creates the need for compression of data and inadvertently the loss of potentially valuable information. SkyNet is a next generation satellite data relay network which seeks to meet this growing demand that has arisen in various commercial and military applications. By launching a network of data relay satellites with a 15 year minimum lifespan, this system will be able to keep as many as 80 customer satellites in constant contact with ground stations. The high data rate optical communication links will allow customers to transmit at data rates of 2 Gbps and higher. The on-board optical communications terminals and high frequency multi-access phased array antennae will allow the relays to be in constant communication with the ground and the customer satellites at all times. These next generation communications terminals will also enable faster, more secure, and higher bandwidth data transfer than any system currently available.
Comparing Generic vs. Specific Heuristics: Illustrating a New UEM Comparison Technique

Heuristic evaluation method comparison is important for developing new heuristic sets, to ensure effectiveness and utility. However, comparing different sets of heuristics requires a common baseline upon which a comparison can be made, usually some set of usability problems from a particular interface. This is often accomplished by having evaluators perform system evaluation to produce a set of usability problems for each method in question. A problem arises in that different methods produce different sets of problems, thus introducing validity concerns and ambiguity in resolution of disparate problem sets. We address this problem by illustrating a new comparison technique in which predetermined usability issues are presented to the evaluators up front, followed by assessment of thoroughness, reliability, and cost for the target methods. Comparison of method effectiveness is simplified, and validity concerns are ameliorated.
Moving Beyond Discretion and Outcomes: Examining Public Management from the Front Lines of the Welfare System

This article investigates front-line conditions within two sectors charged with the delivery of social welfare programspublic bureaucracies and private contractors. I examine two traditions of public management that operate in these organizations and focus on how each tries to direct front-line action. Drawing upon ethnographic data, I discover a disjuncture between these management frameworks and day-to-day front-line operations. A body of social theory that posits that individuals both create and are constrained by social structures is used to understand these findings. The application of this theory both suggests that there is an ongoing social process not capitalized upon by existing management approaches and offers a new explanation for the persistence of certain management challenges in these sectors. The article concludes with a discussion of research propositions and management techniques that emerge from this inductive analysis.
Utilization of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgical Time: An Evaluation of Three Different Models at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

Objective Over the past decade, our institution has instituted three different scheduling models in an attempt to care for pediatric trauma at our Level I Trauma Center. This has been in response to a number of factors, including a limited number of physicians covering the call schedule, increasing competition for operating room (OR) time after hours (pediatric surgery, urology, neurosurgery), an attempt to fully utilize OR time during the daytime, fully staffed hours, and optimizing patients' timeliness to surgery. We examined the three on-call systems in place at our institution to determine whether a more flexible approach to pediatric trauma call resulted in delays in treatment. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patient records for three distinct 1-year periods with three different surgical call schedules: (i) a traditional call schedule in which the call physician was responsible for patients who presented to our emergency room; (ii) a half-day trauma block OR reserved the morning following call; and (iii) a full-day trauma block. Variables included date of injury, time of admission, admission diagnosis, cause of injury, and OR procedure and start time. Results We reviewed 951 cases over the entire study, 268 during the traditional call schedule, 282 during the half-call block and 401 over the time period of the full-day block. Mechanisms of injury were similar among the three groups, with falls and motor vehicle accidents being the leading causes. The average delay time was 17:40 for the traditional call group, 15:10 for the half-block call group, and 15:09 for the full-day block group. Our findings suggest that there was a high incidence of cases performed on weekdays after peak staffing hours with a traditional call model (59%). In contrast, half-day and full-day block models saw only 4% and 1% of the cases performed after peak staffing hours, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients admitted to the OR among the three groups (χ2 = 488.8449, P < 0.0001). The number of patients seen during Monday through Friday was also statistically significant among the three groups (χ2 = 382.0576, P < 0.0001). Conclusions The institution of more flexible and physician-directed half-call and full-day blocks did result in delays in treatment. However, it also has demonstrated benefits to patients in reducing the number of operative cases performed after weekday peak staffing hours; helped our institution better manage its staffing and financial resources; and provided the treating surgeon flexibility in determining the timing of operative care.
Development of Parallel Gap Devices for Traction Power Supply System Catenary of High-Speed Electrified Railway

It is urgent to take measures to cope with the situation that compared with general speed railway, the lightning stroke fault rate of traction power supply catenary in high speed railway in China increased significantly.To install gaps in parallel with insulators would be a kind of effective lightning protection measures which can be used as a supplemental measures of line metal oxide surge arresters and overhead ground wires. Considering the topology structure and high reliability requirement of catenary, and based on the simulation study on the motion characteristics of power frequency arc,the parallel gap structures were designed, a new U-shaped clamp was specially designed and applied to enhance the stability of the installation,the main parameters of arcing horn and the distance of discharge gap were selected, the methods and conditions of thermal stability test and power frequency arc test and vibration test were put forward,and the technical performances of the samples were proved reliable to meet the use requirements by the results of lightning impulse test and thermal stability test and power frequency arc test and vibration test. The parallel gap products with positive feeder/contact wire/strengthened contact wire insulators were successfully developed and are ready for practical application.
Jewish Law and Contemporary Issues

Organized as a series of authoritative discussions, this book presents the application of Jewish law - or Halakhah - to contemporary social and political issues. Beginning with the principle of divine revelation, it describes the contents and canons of interpretation of Jewish law. Though divinely received, the law must still be interpreted and 'completed' by human minds, often leading to the conundrum of divergent but equally authentic interpretations. Examining topics from divorce to war and from rabbinic confidentiality to cloning, this book carefully delineates the issues presented in each case, showing the various positions taken by rabbinic scholars, clarifying areas of divergence, and analyzing reasons for disagreement. Written by widely recognized scholars of both Jewish and secular law, this book will be an invaluable source for all who seek authoritative guidance in understanding traditional Jewish law and practice.
Draft Genome Sequence of Tenacibaculum soleae UCD-KL19

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Tenacibaculum soleae strain UCD-KL19. The assembly contains 3,012,701 bp in 46 contigs. This strain was isolated from a seagrass leaf (Zostera marina) collected from Bodega Bay, CA, as a part of an undergraduate student research project on isolating bacteria from seagrass.
Timed sequential therapy of the selective T-type calcium channel blocker mibefradil and temozolomide in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas

Background Mibefradil (MIB), previously approved for treatment of hypertension, is a selective T-type calcium channel blocker with preclinical activity in high-grade gliomas (HGGs). To exploit its presumed mechanism of impacting cell cycle activity (G1 arrest), we designed a phase I study to determine safety and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MIB when given sequentially with temozolomide (TMZ) in recurrent (r)HGG. Methods Adult patients with rHGG ≥3 months from TMZ for initial therapy received MIB in 4 daily doses (q.i.d.) for 7 days followed by standard TMZ at 150-200 mg/m2 for 5 days per 28-day cycle. MIB dose escalation followed a modified 3 + 3 design, with an extension cohort of 10 patients at MTD who underwent 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) PET imaging, to image proliferation before and after 7 days of MIB. Results Twenty-seven patients were enrolled (20 World Health Organization grade IV, 7 grade III; median age 50 y; median KPS 90). The MTD of MIB was 87.5 mg p.o. q.i.d. Dose-limiting toxicities were elevation of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (grade 3) and sinus bradycardia. The steady-state maximum plasma concentration of MIB at the MTD was 1693 ± 287 ng/mL (mean ± SD). 18F-FLT PET imaging showed a significant decline in standardized uptake value (SUV) signal in 2 of 10 patients after 7 days of treatment with MIB. Conclusions MIB followed by TMZ was well tolerated in rHGG patients at the MTD. The lack of toxicity and presence of some responses in this selected patient population suggest that this regimen warrants further investigation.
A conserved mechanism of transcription factor competition controls hematopoietic progenitor self-renewal

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 5418 An intrinsic mechanism of self-renewal is critical for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), but this HSC function is extinguished during differentiation of progenitors. Here we show that the self-renewal capacity of hematopoietic progenitor cells is regulated through physical competition for occupancy of select DNA binding sites. Initially, we found that conditional deletion of the Growth factor independent-1 (Gfi1) gene results in the accumulation of abnormally persistent myeloid progenitors in vivo . However, even though normal levels of granulocyte colony forming units (G-CFU) returned by 8 weeks post deletion, an abnormal Gfi1-/- myeloid progenitor remained in the bone marrow in vivo . Subsequently, we find in vitro that both wild-type bone marrow cells expressing Gfi1-dominant-negative mutants, and Gfi1-/- Lin- bone marrow contain cells that replate indefinitely. We hypothesized that Gfi1 is critical to extinguish self renewal in hematopoietic progenitors. In seemingly unrelated work, we discovered antagonism between the drosophila orthologs of Gfi1 and the Hoxa9/Pbx1/Meis1 transcription factor complex during drosophila embryo segmentation. We extended our drosophila findings to discover that a subset of mammalian DNA regulatory sequences encode DNA binding sites for both Gfi1 and Hoxa9/Pbx1/Meis1. These DNA sequences are able to bind either factor, and function as a molecular switch. Interestingly, composite Gfi1/ Hoxa9/Pbx1/Meis1 binding sites are present in the regulatory regions of the gene encoding Hoxa9 . We note that Gfi1 expression is normally induced, while Hoxa9 expression is down-regulated, during the transition from common myeloid progenitor (CMP) to the granulocyte-monocyte progenitor (GMP). CMP have greater self renewal potential than GMP. Conditional deletion of Gfi1 in sorted CMP or GMP both increases Hoxa9 expression and generates progenitors capable of replating indefinitely in vitro . Thus, Gfi1 is critical to limit self renewal in these progenitors. Deregulated Hoxa9 expression or activity appears pivotal to this new Gfi1-null phenotype, because Gfi1 dominant-negative mutants immortalize wild type (or Hoxa7-/-) but not Hoxa9-/- bone marrow cells in vitro . Notably, the expression of Hoxa9 has been reported to be of significant prognostic value in human acute myeloid leukemia. We find that the expression of Gfi1 or HoxA9 is reciprocal in primary human AML. In conclusion, Gfi1 and the Hoxa9/Pbx1/Meis1 complex compete to control the expression of genes (such as Hoxa9 ) which are critical to extinguish self renewal and limit the leukemogenic potential of hematopoietic progenitors. The antagonism between these transcription factor complexes is conserved from drosophila segment formation to mammalian hematopoietic progenitor self renewal.
Therapy for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome and Other Forms of Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Pelvic pain is a common condition in women and has a prevalence ranging from 16 to 25 % [1]. There are several potential etiologies of chronic pelvic pain in women and they include disorders of the gynecologic, urologic, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems [2]. Pelvic pain unique to pregnancy is even more common, occurring in 48–56 % of all pregnancies [3]. More specifically, a recent cross-sectional study in the United States demonstrated that two thirds of a cohort of pregnant patients reported back and pelvic pain [4]. The pain often starts in the first trimester of pregnancy and worsens as the pregnancy progresses [5]. Many healthcare providers are apprehensive about treating pain in pregnant patients due to risks associated with the various therapeutic interventions during pregnancy; it is estimated that over 50 % of the women receive little or no intervention from their healthcare providers [4]. However, for many pregnant patients, pain can interfere with daily activities, disturb sleep, and can lead to disability/sick leave. Subsequently, for physicians, familiarity with common pain problems as well as the maternal and fetal risks associated with the therapeutic interventions will prevent and ameliorate these outcomes and achieve a more comfortable pregnancy. The intent of the present chapter is to focus on management options in women with preexisting chronic gynecologic and urologic pain syndromes who subsequently become pregnant. We will discuss the treatments options of chronic pain syndromes in pregnancy, as well as highlight issues that need to be taken into consideration when dealing with pain therapy in pregnancy. Important to acknowledge is that every attempt was made to make the discussion that follows to be evidence-based however, there is paucity of research in this domain due to the subjective nature of the condition, lack of universally recognized classification system, and limited research in pregnant population [6].
Coronel Delmiro Gouveia , Brazilian (Film) Industry, and World War I in the Sertão

In the film Coronel Delmiro Gouveia (1978), Brazilian director Geraldo Sarno uses historical fiction about “the coronel of coroneis” to negotiate the limits of government censorship and discuss the domestic and international policies of the military dictatorship, including its relationship to the state cinema enterprise Embrafilme, through a portrayal of a progressive but authoritarian businessman of the sertao who died in Brazil’s first global war of the twentieth century. The film is one of the few Brazilian films about the country’s oft-overlooked role in World War I. Close analysis of the work reveals Sarno’s deft use of allegory for social commentary on class conflict and the film industry. Resumen No filme Coronel Delmiro Gouveia (1978), o diretor brasileiro Geraldo Sarno usa a ficcao historica sobre “o Coronel dos Coroneis” para negociar com os limites da censura do governamental e discutir a politica domestica e internacional da ditadura militar, inclusive sua relacao com a empresa estatal cinematografica Embrafilme, atraves da representacao de um homem de negocios do sertao que era tanto progresista como autoritario. Ele morreu na primeira guerra global do Brasil no seculo XX. O filme e um dos poucos que trata do papel do Brasil na Primeira Guerra Mundial, um fato pouco estudado. Um analise cauteloso da obra revela o uso destro de Sarno da alegoria para comentar sobre o conflito de classes e a industria conematografica.
Effects of excess arginine with and without supplemental lysine on performance, plasma amino acid concentrations and nitrogen balance of young swine.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of excess arginine on performance, plasma amino acid levels and N balance of young pigs (initial weights 6.9, 7.0 and 10.3 kg, respectively). In a 28-d growth trial, various amounts of arginine (0 to 1.6%) were added to a conventional starter diet. Addition of arginine decreased (P less than .01) average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain (ADG), but had no effect on feed efficiency (G/F). Plasma urea, arginine and ornithine concentrations were elevated (P less than .001) by the increasing dietary arginine levels at d 14 and 28. Plasma histidine levels were reduced (P less than .01) at d 28. Plasma lysine levels exhibited a cubic response (P less than .05) at d 14, but were not affected by excess arginine at d 28. In a second growth trial ADFI and ADG were decreased (P less than .05), but G/F was not affected by the addition of 1.6% dietary arginine. Lysine supplementation (0, .15 or .30%) increased performance in the absence of excess arginine, but the main effect of lysine was not significant for any performance criteria. As in the first experiment, plasma concentrations of urea, arginine and ornithine were increased (P less than .001) by the addition of arginine. Plasma histidine was not affected by either arginine or lysine. Plasma lysine levels were reduced (P less than .001) by dietary arginine and increased (P less than .001) by lysine. In a N balance experiment, addition of 1.6% dietary arginine increased N digestibility, but decreased apparent biological value. Nitrogen balance was not affected by added arginine. Lysine addition did not improve any of these three indices of N utilization. The inability of lysine supplementation to alleviate any of the adverse effects of excess arginine in young swine indicates that the reduced performance is caused by a generalized amino acid imbalance, and not by a specific interference with lysine utilization in the manner of a classical arginine-lysine antagonism.
Directions for Computability Theory Beyond Pure Mathematical

This paper begins by briefly indicating the principal, non-standard motivations of the author for his decades of work in Computability Theory (CT), a.k.a. Recursive Function Theory.