cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Energy Formulation for Parametric Size and Shape Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms

Compliant mechanisms are jointless mechanical devices that take advantage of elastic deformation to achieve a force or motion transformation. An important step toward automated design of compliant mechanisms has been the development of topology optimization techniques. The next logical step is to incorporate size and shape optimization to perform dimensional synthesis of the mechanism while simultaneously considering practical design specifications such as kinematic and stress constraints. An improved objective formulation based on maximizing the energy throughput of a linear static compliant mechanism is developed considering specific force and displacement operational requirements. Parametric finite element beam models are used to perform the size and shape optimization. This technique allows stress constraints to limit the maximum stress in the mechanism. In addition, constraints which restrict the kinematics of the mechanism are successfully applied to the optimization problem. Resulting optimized mechanisms exhibit efficient mechanical transmission and meet kinematic and stress requirements. Several examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimization procedure.
Ankle dorsiflexor function after plantar flexor surgery in children with cerebral palsy.

Background: Surgical lengthening is used to address both overactivity and shortening of the spastic agonist muscle in children with cerebral palsy. It has been presumed that the function of the antagonist muscle will improve when the spastic agonist muscle has been surgically lengthened. The purposes of the current study were to use quantitative gait analysis to determine the prevalence of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles (antagonist) dysfunction during the swing phase of the gait cycle and to analyze how this function is affected following surgical lengthening of the ankle plantar flexor muscles (agonist). Methods: The study design was a retrospective, cohort series of fifty-three children with cerebral palsy who underwent gait analysis before and after surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle group. Data from the physical examination, gait study kinematics, and dynamic electromyography in swing phase were analyzed. Results: The mean age at the time of the initial gait analysis was eight years and eleven months. Significant improvements were noted in ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion (p < 0.001), ankle dorsiflexor selective control (p = 0.002), ankle dorsiflexor strength (p = 0.001), and peak and mean ankle dorsiflexion in swing phase (p < 0.001 for each) following ankle plantar flexor lengthening surgery. Active ankle dorsiflexor function in swing phase was present in 79% of the extremities prior to ankle plantar flexor surgery. Swing phase dorsiflexor function was present in 96% of the extremities following surgery, with ten extremities improving from absent to present. Conclusions: The kinematic data support the clinical impression that ankle dorsiflexion during swing phase is improved following ankle plantar flexor lengthening surgery in children with cerebral palsy. In the majority of patients, this was a consequence of the correction of a fixed equinus contracture of the ankle plantar flexors that was constraining preexisting ankle dorsiflexor function. Weakness of all of the muscles is common, and surgical lengthening should only be considered for the correction of recalcitrant muscle contractures. Improved function of the antagonist muscle should be anticipated and optimized by appropriately focused strength training and other modalities during rehabilitation. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Prediction of multiaxial mechanical behavior for conventional and highly crosslinked UHMWPE using a hybrid constitutive model

Abstract The development of theoretical failure, fatigue, and wear models for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in joint replacements has been hindered by the lack of a validated constitutive model that can accurately predict large deformation mechanical behavior under clinically relevant, multiaxial loading conditions. Recently, a new Hybrid constitutive model for unirradiated UHMWPE was developed Bergstrom et al., (Biomaterials 23 (2002) 2329) based on a physics-motivated framework which incorporates the governing micro-mechanisms of polymers into an effective and accurate continuum representation. The goal of the present study was to compare the predictive capability of the new Hybrid model with the J2-plasticity model for four conventional and highly crosslinked UHMWPE materials during multiaxial loading. After calibration under uniaxial loading, the predictive capabilities of the J2-plasticity and Hybrid model were tested by comparing the load-displacement curves from experimental multiaxial (small punch) tests with simulated load-displacement curves calculated using a finite element model of the experimental apparatus. The quality of the model predictions was quantified using the coefficient of determination (r2). The results of the study demonstrate that the Hybrid model outperforms the J2-plasticity model both for combined uniaxial tension and compression predictions and for simulating multiaxial large deformation mechanical behavior produced by the small punch test. The results further suggest that the parameters of the HM may be generalizable for a wide range of conventional, highly crosslinked, and thermally treated UHMWPE materials, based on the characterization of four material properties related to the elastic modulus, yield stress, rate of strain hardening, and locking stretch of the polymer chains. Most importantly, from a practical perspective, these four key material properties for the Hybrid constitutive model can be measured by relatively simple uniaxial tension or compression tests.
Induction of marked thrombin activity by pharmacologic concentrations of plasminogen activators in nonanticoagulated whole blood.

Thrombin activity reflected by increased plasma concentrations in vivo of fibrinopeptide A (FPA) increases when streptokinase (SK) is administered to patients with acute myocardial infarction. Although procoagulant effects have been found in vitro, the use of anticoagulated plasma limits the extent to which the phenomena observed can be viewed to implicate procoagulant effects in vivo. Accordingly, we characterized the procoagulant effects of SK and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in nonanticoagulated whole blood. Blood was collected from normal volunteers by venipuncture (No. 19 gauge steel needle) directly into polypropylene tubes containing either t-PA, SK, SK and heparin, t-PA and heparin, or saline. The concentration of FPA after 10 min of incubation with saline was 150 ± 46 nM (n=14)(SE). In contrast, in blood incubated with SK FPA was consistently and markedly increased after 10 min: 2318 ± 416 nM (100 IU/ml SK) and 10,889 ± 1156 nM (1000 IU/ml SK) (p< 0.001 compared with control). Less marked elevations of FPA occurred after 10 min in blood incubated with t-PA (3171 ± 604 nM with 2500 ng/ml t-PA, p< 0.01 compared with 1000 IU/ml SK). Increases in FPA were < 100 nM in blood incubated with activators and heparin. The extent to which plasminogen was activated, as measured by the release of the Bβ1–42 fibrinopeptide, was related to the magnitude of elevation of FPA. Procoagulant activity induced by extensive plasminogen activation may contribute to undesirable effects in vivo, such as a propensity to recurrent thrombosis or delayed fibrinolysis.
THE SOCIAL ECOLOGY OF URBAN HOMICIDE: AN APPLICATION OF THE “ROUTINE ACTIVITIES” APPROACH

The purpose of this paper is to use the recently developed “routine activities” approach to help interpret patterns of homicide in a major metropolitan area—Manhattan, New York We argue that the routine activities perspective suggests several distinctive hypotheses about the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics of victims, temporal features of the situation, and the probability of being involved in different kinds of homicide. More specifically, we hypothesize that the sociodemographic characteristics of age, sex, race, marital status, and employment status, along with temporal factors such as time of day, day of week and time of year, will be related systematically to the location of homicide (that is, The geographical proximity to the victim's household) and to the victim-perpetrator relationship (that is, the social proximity of participants: family members, friends, strangers). Detailed data on all recorded homicides occurring in Manhattan during 1981 are examined to evaluate the hypotheses. The results are generally consistent with expectations, indicating that the routine activities approach does indeed provide a useful framework for interpreting the social ecology of urban homicide.
Cell lineage relationships in the development of the mammalian CNS: role of cell lineage in control of cerebellar Purkinje cell number.

Abstract This report continues our studies of the cell lineage relationships among the cells of the cerebellar Purkinje cell population. It examines the question of whether there are cell autonomous factors that regulate cell number during mammalian CNS development. Experimental aggregation chimeras were made by the joining of two embryos, one wild-type, one lurcher in genotype; both embryos were of C57BL 6 genetic background. Since all Purkinje cells of + Lc genotype will degenerate, only wild-type Purkinje cells remain in the cerebellar cortex of the adult chimeras. The number of remaining cells does not vary uniformly from zero (the lurcher value) to wild-type (92,000 for C57BL 6 ). Rather the cells occur in numerical quanta that represent developmental clones of cells. In an earlier work, the Purkinje cell population of the C3H HeJ inbred strain was shown to consist of eight such clones in each cerebellar half. Each C3H HeJ clone contains 10,200 Purkinje cells. Evidence is presented in the present study that the Purkinje cells of the C57BL 6 strain, exist in 10 clones, of 9200 cells per half cerebellum. The findings suggest (1) that a clonal organization exists in the Purkinje cell population of at least two inbred strains of mice, (2) that differences in adult neuronal number can be due to either the number of clones present or the size of each individual clone (i.e., the number of cells per clone), and (3) that the number of cells in a clone appears to be an autonomous property of the lineage itself and hence, presumably, of the progenitor cell that founded the clone.
Variation in Patient Charges for Vaccines and Well-Child Care

Background: Several state and federal programs have attempted to boost immunization rates by reducing or eliminating provider vaccine costs. The relation between patient vaccine and well-child visit charges and vaccine financing systems is unknown. Objectives: To determine patient charges for vaccines and well-child visits in three states with varying vaccine financing systems and to examine the effects of a short-term reduction in provider vaccine costs. Design: Cross-sectional survey study of a random sample of physicians in three states. Participants: A total of 2797 pediatricians and family physicians in North Carolina, Texas, and Massachusetts were surveyed. Main Outcome Measures: Current charges to patients for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP), measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib), and combined DTP-Hib vaccine and for well-child visits; changes in charges over the previous 8 months. Results: Response rate was 62%. Vaccine and well-child visit charges were comparable in North Carolina and Texas. Massachusetts' average charges for well-child visits were higher than in the other states, although vaccine charges were lower; with the use of combined DTP-Hib vaccine, total simulated charges for vaccines and well-child care during the first 6 months of life averaged only 10% less in Massachusetts vs Texas and North Carolina. Neither regional variation in cost of living nor Medicaid reimbursement rates explained this difference. Conclusions: The average cost and composition of charges for well-child care in Massachusetts, a state with universal purchase of vaccines, compared with the other states, warrant further study to explore whether physicians shift costs to other preventive services to compensate for lower allowable immunization charges. If such cost shifting occurs, current federal immunization initiatives that lower or eliminate provider cost may not provide increased access to preventive services. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1996;150:421-426)
Aberrant Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) in Invasive Melanoma

The incidence of malignant melanoma, a cancer of the melanocyte cell lineage, has nearly doubled in the past 20 years. While easy to treat if diagnosed early, once the cancer has metastasized and spread, it is extremely resistant to current therapies and patient prognosis is poor. Wnt5A has been shown to be a driver of melanoma cell invasion and metastasis. Changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration are a key component of Wnt5A signaling and can contribute to both cell proliferation and migration. The main Ca2+ store in the cell is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Depletion of ER Ca2+ during cell signaling is sensed by the ER membrane protein STIM1, which interacts with the plasma membrane channel Orai1 to initiate store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and replenish ER Ca2+. Therefore, we investigated differences in the expression and function of STIM1 and Orai1 in a range of patient-derived malignant melanoma cell lines, previously characterized as either highly invasive (metastatic) or non-invasive. We find that SOCE is diminished in invasive melanoma cells compared to non-invasive cells, although expression levels and localization of STIM and Orai are not perturbed. This represents a novel finding and suggests that aberrant SOCE is a key contributor to melanoma cell invasion and metastasis. Current investigations are focused on defining the mechanism(s) responsible for SOCE suppression in metastatic melanoma, focusing on both how STIM/Orai function is modulated and assessing the potential role of Wnt5A signaling in this process. Completion of these studies will provide critical new insight into cellular mechanisms controlling STIM/Orai function as well as redefining the role of Ca2+ signaling in tumor progression.
Data refinement, call by value and higher order programs

Using 2-categorical laws of algorithmic refinement, we show soundness of data refinement for stored programs and hence for higher order procedures with value/result parameters. The refinement laws hold in a model that slightly generalizes the standard predicate transformer semantics for the usual imperative programming constructs including prescriptions.
CAN PRE-OPERATIVE (PRE-OP) DIMENSIONS PREDICT LEFT VENTRICULAR (LV) ADEQUACY IN THE UNBALANCED ATRIOVENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT (AVSD)? † 189

Despite excellent results of repair of the balanced AVSD, there are no criteria to judge adequacy of the LV for biventricular (BiV) repair in the severely unbalanced AVSD. We hypothesized that feasibility for BiV repair depends largely on ventricular geometry because of right ventricular (RV) volume loading; that is, despite a small true pre-op LV volume,potential LV volume may allow BiV repair, as predicted from pre-op LV dimensions. The echocardiograms of 5 recent consecutive patients with right-dominant AVSD, all of whom underwent BiV repair, were retrospectively reviewed. Median age of AVSD repair was 3 mos (23 days to 5 mos). All patients had an adequate LV, aortic annulus, and aortic arch to support the systemic circulation post-operatively (post-op), with 1 inhospital death. LV volume was estimated by the method of Rhodes et al. (Circulation 1991; 84:2325). Measurements showed severe LV hypoplasia pre-op, with an RV-forming apex in all cases; 3 patients had true LV volumes 30 ml/M2. Pre-op potential volume and post-op true volume correlated well (post-op true=1.54 pre-op potential- 0.735 ml; r=0.88, p<0.05) with, as expected, worse correlation between pre-op and post-op true volumes (r=0.70, p=0.19). Increases in LV length and mitral annulus size indicated contributions of volume loading and surgical patching to the increase in LV size. In summary, BiV repair can be achieved in the severely unbalanced AVSD. In this small series, pre-op potential LV volume≥15 ml/M2 allowed BiV repair, while true pre-op volumes would have predicted an inadequate LV in most cases. This study has broad implications for this and other right-sided volume-loaded lesions in which the LV initially is judged to be hypoplastic but in which BiV repair may be feasible.Table
Modified K-leap method for stochastic simulation of genetic networks with small number of molecules

Recently, stochasticity in gene expression has received much attention by both experimental and computational biologists. Several leap methods have been developed for efficient stochastic simulation of gene networks or more general chemically reacting systems. In this paper, we merge the advantages of both the modified τ-leap method and our recently developed K-leap method, and develop a modified K-leap method. Our simulations demonstrate that our new leap method can increase simulation speed while providing almost the same simulation accuracy for gene networks.
The heritage of a physician.

The idea that led to the founding of the American College of Chest Physicians was conceived by men who were motivated by a desire to be of service to their fellow physicians and through them, to serve humanity. The Fellowship of the American College of Chest Physicans has continued as an increasing and an international resevoir of accumulated medical knowledge and skill dedicated to the service of mankind. The background against which an idea is developed is important to all who may be influenced by that given idea. Let us take a look at the background of the art and science of medicine: Background is defined as that which is behind anything and against which it is viewed. The background for the development of the art and science of medicine lies in the fact that the Creator did endow each person with some degree of humanitarianism. The expression of this quality by any one individual depends largely upon the dominance or submergence of this humane instinct and the conditions prevailing at a particular time. Records reveal the fact that in the earliest days of man’s existence attempts were made by some men to alleviate pain and suffering. Some learned that by removing a thorn or stone or a parasite that the cause of pain was removed. Members of some early tribes learned to use certain plants to stupefy their victims. Crude instruments of stone were used by other men to make holes through the skull to relieve pain or to remove splinters of bone. Rigid splints were used to fix fractures. Medicinal preparations of those early days were unrefined and varied greatly in their potency and the surgical procedures were limited in scope and in effectiveness. The consciousness of the universal need for knowledge of more effective medicinal agents and greater skill in surgical procedures impelled the physicians of ancient times, as impels us today, to search at home and in distant lands for medical truths. It is readily understood why men of medicine have always been extensive travelers searching in all corners of the universe for knowledge, and that knowledge of medical truths is passed from one people to another even across unfriendly boundaries. Through this liberal exchange of information, all races in all parts of the world have shared in the benefits of this increased knowledge through the good offices of the physician. At times, the light of medical knowledge has been brighter at some spots than at others and at times it has been dim but, it has never been completely extinguished. There have always been those blessed with the urge and will to relieve the ill and suffering. I do not consider it desirable to single out a particular achievement above
Giant vesical diverticula with thrombophlebitis.

Abstract An unusual case of giant vesical diverticula with deep vein thrombosis of the leg is presented. The lesion was acquired secondary to obstruction of bladder outlet from silent prostatic hyperplasia.
Regulation of Stage-Specific Nuclear Translocation of Dnmt1o during Preimplantation Mouse Development

Abstract DNA methylation of CpG dinucleotides by DNA methyltransferase 1 is implicated in the regulation of transcription and, in particular, the transcription of imprinted genes. Although the oocyte-specific form of Dnmt1 (Dnmt1o) possesses a functional nuclear localization signal, it is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm of the oocyte and preimplantation mouse embryo but undergoes a transient nuclear localization during the eight-cell stage, when the embryos undergo compaction. We report here that Dnmt1o is likely retained in the cytoplasm by an active process, since ∼70% of DNA methyltransferase activity is retained following permeabilization procedures that result in the release of ∼75% of oocyte/embryo protein. Treatment of the embryos with agents that disrupt either microfilaments or microtubules has little, if any, effect on the retention of Dnmt1o in permeabilized embryos. While Dnmt1o does not colocalize with either mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum, it does colocalize with annexin V, which is known to interact with Dnmt1o. We also report that the timing of nuclear entry of Dnmt1o during the eight-cell stage is independent of DNA replication, transcription, and protein synthesis, as well as compaction, cell contact, and cytokinesis. The time of nuclear entry, therefore, appears linked to the time following fertilization, which suggests that a molecular clock governs the time of nuclear import.
Mapping the spinal and supraspinal pathways of dynamic mechanical allodynia in the human trigeminal system using cardiac-gated fMRI

Abstract Following injury and inflammation, pain to light stroking (dynamic mechanical allodynia) might develop at the damaged site (primary area) or in adjacent normal tissue (secondary area). Using fMRI we mapped changes in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (spV), and supraspinal brainstem nuclei following heat/capsaicin-induced primary and secondary dynamic mechanical allodynia in the human trigeminal system. The role of these structures in dynamic mechanical allodynia has not been clarified yet in humans. During the control session we applied the same mechanical stimuli to the same untreated trigeminal area. Primary and secondary mechanical allodynia showed equal levels of perceived pain intensity, and compared to control mechanical stimulation exhibited similar responses in the ipsilateral spV and contralateral ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG). Activity in the spV was significantly higher during both conditions versus the control mechanical stimulation, indicating that central sensitization of second-order neurons is similar for primary and secondary mechanical allodynia. The vlPAG showed decreased activity that inversely correlated with pain ratings during primary allodynia, i.e. the more deactivated the vlPAG the higher the pain intensity (p Primary and secondary dynamic mechanical allodynia were also characterized by significant differences involving distinct supraspinal structures mainly involved in pain modulation and including the rostroventromedial medulla, pons reticular formation, dorsolateral PAG, all more active during primary versus secondary allodynia, and the medial reticular formation of the caudal medulla that was more active during secondary versus primary allodynia. These results indicate that the pain modulatory system is involved to a different extent during primary versus secondary mechanical allodynia.
Nitric oxide and cyclic GMP formation upon electrical field stimulation cause relaxation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle

In the presence of functional adrenergic and cholinergic blockade, electrical field stimulation relaxes corpus cavernosum smooth muscle by unknown mechanisms. We report here that electrical field stimulation of isolated strips of rabbit corpus cavernosum promotes the endogenous formation and release of nitric oxide (NO), nitrite, and cyclic GMP. Corporal smooth muscle relaxation in response to electrical field stimulation, in the presence of guanethidine and atropine, was abolished by tetrodotoxin and potassium-induced depolarization, and was markedly inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine, NG-amino-L-arginine, oxyhemoglobin, and methylene blue, but was unaffected by indomethacin. The inhibitory effects of NG-substituted analogs of L-arginine were nearly completely reversed by addition of excess L-arginine but not D-arginine. Corporal smooth muscle relaxation elicited by electrical field stimulation was accompanied by rapid and marked increases in tissue levels of nitrite and cyclic GMP, and all responses were nearly abolished by NG-nitro-L-arginine. These observations indicate that penile erection may be mediated by NO generated in response to nonadrenergic-noncholinergic neurotransmission.
Multiple Transcripts of the Human Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase Gene

We have identified five alternatively spliced transcripts of the gene for human Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a causative gene for autosomal dominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The splice variants of wild-type or mutant SOD1 were expressed in a tissue-specific manner; therefore, their expression may be regulated to modify SOD1 function. In addition, the expression in the brain implies that variants may play a role in the nervous system, the region involved in ALS. Immunoblot study of HeLa cells transfected with two variants encoding C-terminal truncated proteins did not show the proteins of expected size. However, this observation is consistent with the previous study of C-terminal truncated mutant proteins that cause ALS, suggesting that both variant and mutant proteins may share certain properties, such as instability or insolubility in the cytosol. These findings suggest that the splice variants may contribute to a physiological function of SOD1 or to a pathological mechanism in ALS.
A new method of inhomogeneous ladder network synthesis

A procedure to synthesize ladder networks in which each series arm impedance is fiz(s) and each shunt arm admittance is giy(s) is presented. Given a specified network function T(s), the function G = z(s)y(s) is first established by a polynomial decomposition. Then the appropriate chain parameters associated with T(s) are constructed as polynomials in G. The constants fi, gi are determined from a straightforward continued fraction expansion of a related RL impedance function in G. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the steps in the procedure are established and examples are included.
Intrapartum management of nonvertex second-born twins: a critical analysis.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to assess the impact of the mode of delivery—vaginal delivery versus cesarean section—on the perinatal outcomes of the second-born breech twins. Study Design: This study was a retrospective analysis of second-born breech twins with a gestational age of ≥24 weeks at the onset of labor. The patients are divided into three groups: cesarean section without labor (group I), cesarean section after labor (group II), and vaginal breech delivery (group III). Results: There were 141 patients: 40 in group I, 66 in group II, and 35 in group III. There was no birth injury or neonatal death. Group II had one fetus with grade II intraventricular hemorrhage. There was no significant difference among the groups with regard to gestational age, birth weight, hyaline membrane disease, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, and cord blood gas indices, except venous pH in infants with birth weights Conclusions: Vaginal delivery of breech second-born twins, with gestational ages of at least 24 weeks, especially those with birth weights of ≥1500 g, appears to be a safe alternative to cesarean section. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:1204-8.)
A new class of stratospheric vacillations in a highly truncated model due to wave interference

A new class of vacillations is obtained in the Holton and Mass model with a different bottom boundary condition. The model is a highly truncated spectral model describing wave-zonal flow interactions in a forced-dissipative system. The mean zonal wind and the wave change their vertical structures periodically with a period of the wave progression (5-10 days for the parameters used in this study). The vacillations are interpreted as an interference between a stationary wave and a topographically modified Rossby wave. The modified Rossby wave is an eigenmode of baroclinic flow in the presence of bottom topography within the framework of the highly truncated system. Time variations of the mean zonal wind are essential for the modification of the Rossby wave.
Photosynthetic Utilization of Internal Carbon Dioxide by Hollow-Stemmed Plants

The hollow stems of wet-meadow and bog plants often contain relatively large amounts of carbon dioxide. The internal carbon dioxide apparently originates from respiration of root and stem cells. Some of this carbon dioxide is fixed photosynthetically by stem tissues and is thus recycled within the plant. Such internal stem photosynthesis would be advantageous, particularly in the early stages of growth in cold, wet, high-altitude environments.
Civic Governmentality: The Politics of Inclusion in Beirut and Mumbai

Abstract: This article is concerned with the politics of inclusion. It analyzes the institutionalization of participatory citizenship as the formation of regimes of “civic governmentality”. Through the study of key civil society organizations such as SPARC and Hezbollah, it studies three dimensions of civic governmentality: an infrastructure of populist mediation; technologies of governing (for example, knowledge production); and norms of self-rule (for example, concepts of civility and civicness). However, such regimes of civic governmentality operate within frontiers of urban renewal and indeed often facilitate and manage such types of development. The article examines the limits and contradictions of the politics of inclusion in the context of the bourgeois city and also studies radical forms of citizenship that emerge to challenge these limits.
On multivortices in the electroweak theory. I. Existence of periodic solutions

In this paper we consider the bosonic sector of the electroweak theory. It has been shown in the work of Ambjorn and Olesen that when the Higgs mass equals to the mass of theZ boson, the model in two dimensions subject to the 't Hooft periodic boundary condition may be reduced to a Bogomol'nyi system and that the solutions of the system are vortices in a “dual superconductor”. We shall prove using a constrained variational reformulation of the problem the existence of such vortices. Our conditions for the existence of solutions are necessary and sufficient when the vortex numberN=1,2.
Comparison of Saccharomyces cerevisiae F-BAR domain structures reveals a conserved inositol phosphate binding site.

Summary F-BAR domains control membrane interactions in endocytosis, cytokinesis, and cell signaling. Although they are generally thought to bind curved membranes containing negatively charged phospholipids, numerous functional studies argue that differences in lipid-binding selectivities of F-BAR domains are functionally important. Here, we compare membrane-binding properties of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae F-BAR domains in vitro and in vivo. Whereas some F-BAR domains (such as Bzz1p and Hof1p F-BARs) bind equally well to all phospholipids, the F-BAR domain from the RhoGAP Rgd1p preferentially binds phosphoinositides. We determined X-ray crystal structures of F-BAR domains from Hof1p and Rgd1p, the latter bound to an inositol phosphate. The structures explain phospholipid-binding selectivity differences and reveal an F-BAR phosphoinositide binding site that is fully conserved in a mammalian RhoGAP called Gmip and is partly retained in certain other F-BAR domains. Our findings reveal previously unappreciated determinants of F-BAR domain lipid-binding specificity and provide a basis for its prediction from sequence.
Fluorescence, phosphorescence and ODMR line narrowing of molecules in solids

This paper discusses the effect of narrow- and wide-band excitation on the optical and ODMR transitions of molecules (or ions) in solids. The influence of homogeneous and inhomgeneous broadenings are considered theoretically and tested experimentally.
Peers and peer-based interventions in supporting reintegration and mental health among national guard soldiers: A qualitative study

National Guard soldiers experience high levels of mental health symptoms following deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, yet many do not seek treatment. We interviewed 30 National Guard soldiers with prior deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan to assess mental health treatment barriers and the role of peers in treatment engagement. Interview transcripts were analyzed by a multidisciplinary research team using techniques drawn from grounded theory. The following themes were identified: (1) personal acceptance of having a mental health problem rather than treatment access is the major barrier to treatment entry; (2) tightly connected, supportive peer networks can decrease stigma related to mental health problems and encourage treatment; however, soldiers in impoverished or conflicted peer networks are less likely to receive these benefits; and (3) soldiers are generally positive about the idea of peer-based programs to improve treatment engagement, although they note the importance of leadership support, peer assignment, and unit specialty in implementing these programs. We conclude that some, but not all, naturally occurring peer networks serve to overcome stigma and encourage mental health treatment seeking by soldiers. Formal peer-based programs may assist soldiers not sufficiently benefitting from natural peer networks, although there are barriers to implementation.
Latent class based multiple imputation approach for missing categorical data

Abstract In this paper we propose a latent class based multiple imputation approach for analyzing missing categorical covariate data in a highly stratified data model. In this approach, we impute the missing data assuming a latent class imputation model and we use likelihood methods to analyze the imputed data. Via extensive simulations, we study its statistical properties and make comparisons with complete case analysis, multiple imputation, saturated log-linear multiple imputation and the Expectation–Maximization approach under seven missing data mechanisms (including missing completely at random, missing at random and not missing at random). These methods are compared with respect to bias, asymptotic standard error, type I error, and 95% coverage probabilities of parameter estimates. Simulations show that, under many missingness scenarios, latent class multiple imputation performs favorably when jointly considering these criteria. A data example from a matched case–control study of the association between multiple myeloma and polymorphisms of the Inter-Leukin 6 genes is considered.
ON USING REMOTE USER DEFINED FUNCTIONS AS WRAPPERS FOR BIOLOGICAL DATABASE INTEROPERABILITY

Similar to most scientific studies, biological analyses demand a great deal of computations and simulations involving sophisticated tools that are often found geographically distributed over the Internet. A worldwide effort in genomics research has resulted in a powerful collection of publicly available sequence analysis tools. These tools often require specialized local services and domain knowledge to function correctly, rendering them unlikely candidates for integration into remote database applications. Thus, integration of heterogeneous "functions" still remains an open problem. Providing a reasonable framework for seamless integration of these tools with database query engines will enable application developers to exploit and harness the power of these effective analysis tools. In this paper, we present an integration framework for such tools by enabling access to them in a user transparent way as part of database queries. In our system, such online tools are abstracted as remote user defined functions (RUDF). An extended SQL DDL language, called the Internet Function Definition Language (IFDL), is presented for the specification and definition of RUDFs. The interface between database system and the Internet is implemented using a layer based on a language called the Hyper Text Query Language (HTQL). The separation of IFDL, DDL, HTQL and SQL DML offers several optimization opportunities and makes it possible to develop an architecture for interoperability of heterogeneous databases with RUDFs in more simple and efficient ways.
Validity of self-ratings of abilities and competencies

Abstract This study examined the validity of self-estimates of ability on a vocational interest measure (the Self-Directed Search). Self-ratings of 149 female undergraduates were correlated with well-validated measures of abilities corresponding to each of Holland's six interest domains. Employing a multitrait, multimethod methodology, the study found a pattern of, at best, moderate correlations between self-ratings of ability and the objective ratings. Higher correlations were found between self-ratings of abilities and objective measures than for self-ratings of competencies on the Self-Directed Search. However, for both areas there were findings contrary to predictions. Implications for the use of self-ratings in the measurement of vocational interests and related constructs are discussed.
Data from the Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination (ATAC) Trial: Implications for Use of Aromatase Inhibitors in 2003

The third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have improved efficacy and safety versus tamoxifen for treatment of advanced breast cancer. Currently, anastrozole is the only third-generation AI with adjuvant therapy data in postmenopausal women. Initial and updated results from the Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination (ATAC) trial (median follow-up, 47 months) confirm it to be more effective than tamoxifen for disease-free survival with several important tolerability benefits. As a result, there has been much debate about whether or not anastrozole should be used routinely to treat postmenopausal women with early breast cancer. In its review, the American Society of Clinical Oncology Health Services Research Committee agreed that the updated ATAC analyses provided a greater level of assurance, in terms of both toxicity and efficacy, for use of anastrozole in the adjuvant setting. However, pending 5-year data from ATAC and other trials of adjuvant AI use, adjuvant anastrozole was recommended by American Society of Clinical Oncology Health Research Committee for use only under certain circumstances, with 5 years of tamoxifen remaining the standard. Anastrozole should be the preferred AI in this setting; data from the ATAC trial should not be extrapolated to other members of the class. Despite this conservative recommendation, the overall risk:benefit profile from the ATAC trial favors anastrozole, and it is expected that a more favorable efficacy and adverse effect profile will be maintained. Anastrozole should, therefore, now be considered a valid alternative option to tamoxifen for adjuvant hormonal treatment in all postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.
Nanoelectromechanical systems for ultra-low-power computing and VLSI

Nanoscale devices with mechanical degrees of freedom offer compelling characteristics that make them very attractive for mechanical and quantum logic devices. As we are able to create nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) with unprecedented feature sizes, advanced complexity and functionality, and high yield and control (at wafer-scale), they become increasingly interesting for low-power logic and memory, as well as become more meaningful for VLSI. Partly this is driven by NEMS devices' unique merits such as exceptionally large on/off ratio, non-leakage, ultralow switching power, fast speed, and temperature insensitivity. In parallel, this is also an intriguing effort in the quest for the ultimately energy-efficient implementation of logic and computing. In this talk, I shall introduce the Caltech research effort towards these goals, including the recent demonstrations of several generic prototypes of nanoscale electromechanical switching devices, their characteristics and performance, progress on engineering such building blocks for NEMS-based logic and memory, all-mechanical and hybrid NEMS-CMOS, along with discussions and perspectives of technological promises and challenges.
Substrate utilization and hormonal responses to moderate intensity exercise during pregnancy and after delivery.

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to examine substrate utilization and hormonal responses to moderate intensity exercise in the same group of women across gestation. Study design: Glucose, triglyceride, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone, and blood urea nitrogen levels were measured in 12 women at rest and after exercise. Heart rate, oxygen uptake, and respiratory exchange ratio were measured at rest and during exercise. Urine urea nitrogen levels, urine volume, and creatinine levels were measured 24 hours before and after exercise. Each woman completed a 30-minute treadmill walk at 65% of her predicted maximal heart rate at the same time of day during the 22nd and 33rd weeks of gestation and at 14 weeks after delivery. Results: There were no significant differences between exercise trials in oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, or heart rate. Pregnancy elevated resting triglyceride levels but lowered plasma glucose levels. Exercise during pregnancy caused a reduction in plasma glucose levels but elevated circulating triglyceride levels (P
An experimental study of flow through rigid vegetation

[1] Better understanding of the role of vegetation in the transport of fluid and pollutants requires improved knowledge of the detailed flow structure within the vegetation. Instead of spatial averaging, this study uses discrete measurements at multiple locations within the canopy to develop velocity and turbulence intensity profiles and observe the changes in the flow characteristics as water travels through a vegetation array simulated by rigid dowels. Velocity data was collected with a one dimensional laser Doppler velocimeter under emergent and submerged flow conditions. The effects of dowel arrangement, density, and roughness were also examined. The results show that the velocity within the vegetation array is constant with depth and the velocity profile is logarithmic above it, however the boundaries are marked by inflection points. The strongest vortices and turbulence intensities can be found there, especially in the region immediately downstream of a dowel. These results support the idea that the flow in the region near the bed and at the top of the dowel array is very unstable leading to the formation of coherent structures and are areas of significant mass and momentum exchange.
Posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for refractory diabetic macular edema

Purpose To evaluate posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide for refractory diabetic macular edema (DME). Design Retrospective, interventional, case series. Methods setting : Clinical practice. patient population : Patients with persistent clinically significant DME involving the center of the fovea 3 or more months after one or more treatments of focal macular photocoagulation were included. Exclusion criteria were a history of corticosteroid-responsive intraocular pressure (IOP) rise, intraocular surgery within 3 months, and any laser treatment within 1 month. procedure : All patients received an ophthalmic history and examination including best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, IOP measurement, anterior segment examination including evaluation of lens status with LOCS II criteria, dilated fundus examination, and a posterior subtenon injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide at baseline. Patients were reevaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after injection. Results Seventy-three injections were performed in 63 eyes of 50 patients. The mean baseline visual acuity was 20/80. Mean visual acuity significantly improved to 20/50 at 1 month, then stabilized to 20/65 at 3 months, 20/68 at 6 months, and 20/63 at 12 months. Complications were rare, with a transient significant rise in intraocular pressure at the 3-month evaluation and ptosis in two patients. Conclusions Visual acuities remained stable or improved over a 12-month period after posterior subtenon triamcinolone injections for refractory DME. There was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity at 1 month.
Chemical shift mapping of γδ resolvase dimer and activated tetramer: Mechanistic implications for DNA strand exchange

Abstract Several static structural models exist for γδ resolvase, a self-coded DNA recombinase of the γδ transposon. While these reports are invaluable to formulation of a mechanistic hypothesis for DNA strand exchange, several questions remain. Foremost among them concerns the protomer structural dynamics within the protein/DNA synaptosome. Solution NMR chemical shift assignments have been made for truncated variants of the natural wild-type dimer, which is inactive without the full synaptosome structure, and a mutationally activated tetramer. Of the 134 residues, backbone 1H, 15N, and 13Cα assignments are made for 121–124 residues in the dimer, but only 76–80 residues of the tetramer. These assignment differences are interpreted by comparison to X-ray diffraction models of the recombinase dimer and tetramer. Inspection of intramolecular and intermolecular structural variation between these models suggests a correspondence between sequence regions at subunit interfaces unique to tetramer, and the regions that can be sequentially assigned in the dimer but not the tetramer. The loss of sequential context for assignment is suggestive of stochastic fluctuation between structural states involving protomer–protomer interactions exclusive to the activated tetrameric state, and may be indicative of dynamics which pertain to the recombinase mechanism.
Photoactive Electrospun Fibers for Inducing Cell Death

A photoactive electrospun material producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation is reported. The phototoxicity of the generated ROS is spatially restricted to the fiber-tissue interface by conjugation of the photosensitizer to a macromolecule. Photo-triggered ROS is produced on demand and repeatedly. It induces death of mammalian cells growing on the material surface with high spatial resolution.
Line-of-Business Disclosures and Spin-Off Announcement Returns

We investigated disclosure decisions by identifying a circumstance, the spin-off of a segment, where the benefits of disclosure should outweigh the costs. We compared the valuation revisions associated with spin-off announcements of firms with previous line of business disclosures to valuation revisions of firms making spin-off announcements without these disclosures. We found significant stock price increases associated with the spin-off announcement regardless of prior segment disclosure history. We also found, however, that the stock price increases were temporary for firms without prior segment disclosures, while the valuation revisions for firms with previous line-of-business disclosure information persisted.
Mobilizing Money Political Action Committees and Political Participation

A great deal of research focuses on contributions by political action committees (PACs) to candidates, but PACs are also institutional mechanisms for mobilizing contributions by individuals. Restri...