cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Looping and Repetition

A computer is an ideal instrument for doing some things repeatedly, while many other types of machines (often controlled by computers) routinely carry out complex but repetitive tasks in manufacturing and industry. By nature human beings do not like being repetitious and, indeed, often think of ourselves as being clever when we devise an algorithm to have a machine do the work for us. This chapter discusses this essential programming technique: writing algorithms to repeat an action, or set of actions, a specified number of times.
Dementia-related behaviors in Alzheimer's disease and AIDS.

1. In both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AIDS, family members vary in their perceptions of the individual's ability to control his or her cognitive or behavioral functioning. Family members who believe that the behaviors are unintentional generally experience less distress than do family members who believe that the individual has control over his or her thoughts or behaviors. 2. The manifestations of intellectual and cognitive dysfunction of AD and AIDS are strikingly similar. Impairments of memory, concentration, and abstract thinking; confusion and disorientation; and slowed mental capacities are among the shared symptomatology, and may eventually become the catalysts for family caregiving. 3. It is imperative that clinicians and researchers collaborate in further investigation in order to ease the burden on family caregivers and facilitate adaptations of caregiving methods
The Ultraviolet Spectra of Old Stellar Populations

We investigate the utility of UV spectra of old stellar populations as diagnostics of galaxy properties. For λ < 3800 A, the integrated light of old stellar populations is dominated by two components: the hot stars which give rise to the UV upturn phenomenon at far-UV wavelengths, and the stars (i.e. main sequence, and subgiants) that lie closest to the turnoff. The mid-UV radiation from the turnoff varies strongly with metallicity, and less so with age; mid-UV light must be correct for the effect of the independent far-UV upturn component, but this is straightforward. Population synthesis models that account for the flux from the UV upturn can therefore determine the characteristics of the underlying stellar content from the mid-UV spectral region. The age & metallicity dependence of the far-UV 1550 A is not well understood (see Dorman, O’Connell & Rood 1995, ApJ 442,105) since the mass loss mechanism on the RGB that produces very blue HB stars has no physical model. In contrast mid-UV indicators derive from the turnoff population which best represents the quantities we wish to measure, and are in addition visible at favourable optical wavelengths for z ≲1.
Accounting Statement Footnotes Contextual Association with Firm Financial Characteristics in the Oil and Gas Industry

Information quality of financial accounting statements is an issue for readers’ decision-making. This study investigates the association of the annual report readability with the firm’s weighted average cost of capital (a key ratio used in firm valuations and investments). The study focuses upon the oil and gas industry in order to include an analysis of “successful efforts” versus “full cost” accounting methods. Prior studies find that as the level of useful information increases in the financial statements, the corresponding firm’s information asymmetries decrease, resulting in a company’s lower cost of capital (Francis, J. et al. 2008, and Barth M. et al. 2013). The current study findings indicate that the accounting readability of annual reports does associate with weighted average cost of capital. This study extends readability research into this financial ratio footnote and MD&A area. The study also finds the accounting choice of “successful efforts” versus “full cost” affects readability of annual report information, but no association is apparent of the method with the weighted average cost of capital.
Performance and Accuracy Trade-offs of HPC Application Modeling and Simulation

High Performance Computing (HPC) applications and systems are often studied through modeling and simulation at various granularities. As the size of HPC systems and applications and the cost of high fidelity simulation continue to grow, a good understanding of the trade-offs of the complexity and accuracy of HPC application modeling and simulation schemes can help balance the competing goals of accuracy and time. In this work, we investigate the complexity and accuracy trade-off using an MPI application modeling tool and an MPI application simulation tool. The performance and accuracy results of modeling and simulation of a large spectrum of HPC applications on three supercomputers are measured and compared. The results show that although modeling is often one to two orders of magnitude faster than simulation, it achieves within 5% of predicted application time in comparison to simulation for 85% of cases in our data set. We further enhance the modeling tool with a statistical model to predict whether simulation can yield significantly different results than modeling. The enhanced tool achieves a very high successful prediction rate of 93.2% on our dataset and is thus effective in determining whether modeling or simulation should be used.
Investigation of Al-Zn-Zr and Al-Zn-Ni alloys for high electrical conductivity and strength application

Abstract Al-Zn-TM (TM=Transition metals) alloys are developed with an integrated computational material engineering (ICME) strategy. Al-Zn-Ni and Al-Zn-Zr are determined to have promising electrical conductivities via a series of ab initio density functional theory (DFT) simulations assessing combinations of Al-TM and Al-Zn-TM. The computed enthalpies of formation are used to identify the zero-temperature equilibrium precipitate phase in both alloys with increasing levels of Zn content, with a particular focus of finding Zn content levels that result in a precipitate L12 structure. The corresponding microhardness and electrical conductivity measurements of both alloys are evaluated. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is used to examine the morphology of the Al3-xZnxNi and Al3-xZnxZr precipitates formed in the respective alloys and their structures were confirmed as L12 by selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Through qualitative chemical analysis, it is demonstrated that Ni and Zr are not present in the matrix but are completely used up in forming the respective precipitate phases in both alloys.
Coping and Pre-Licensure Registered Nursing Students: An Integrative Literature Review

Despite a wealth of information and growing diversity among nursing students, little is known about coping behaviors employed by these students or students educated in diverse environments. The aim of this integrative literature review was to examine what is known about stress, coping, measures of coping, and interventions to enhance coping, and in pre-licensure nursing students. Twenty-six peer-reviewed research articles were included. Stress, coping styles and behaviors, support, interventions, and instruments to measure coping were identified as key themes. Variations in coping were noted by gender, age, length of time in the program, and culture. Analysis of the literature illuminated the importance of support for students, and strong indications suggested educators play a pivotal role in helping students develop adaptive coping strategies. Nursing programs should consider incorporating coping instruction into the curricula.
The Past and Present Mutual Fund Fee Litigation Under 36(b)

Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act permits mutual fund investors to sue funds for charging excessive asset management fees. This liability for excessive fees has proven to be one of the more problematic areas of mutual fund regulation. Fund complexes view the suits largely as unpredictable nuisances unrelated to fee levels, while for those concerned about mutual fund fees, section 36(b) has never resulted in a verdict for plaintiffs. The extremely fact-bound nature of the excessive fee standard as articulated in the seminal Gartenberg and Jones cases makes obtaining early dismissal of suits difficult and litigation lengthy and expensive. Settlements are common. There is little evidence that suits are effective in bringing fees down in sued funds or that such suits target particularly expensive funds. The goal of this chapter is to situate new developments in mutual fund fee litigation in the larger context of the history and development of the section.
Current treatment of optic nerve gliomas.

Purpose of reviewOptic pathway gliomas are low-grade neoplasms that affect the precortical visual pathway of children and adolescents. They can affect the optic nerve, optic chiasm, optic tracts and radiations and can either be sporadic or associated with neurofibromatosis type one. Gliomas isolated
Marx’s Prescient Theory of Centralization of Capital: Crises and an Nkrumahist Response

Karl Marx’s projection of the global centralization of capital in the hands of fewer and fewer owners through expansionary cycles is affirmed by an analysis of the IMF Financial Access Survey Data (FAS). FAS data shows the rapid incorporation of the populations of semi-periphery and periphery areas into market transactions via financial institution access, such that soon no areas external to the system will be available for new market expansion. This analysis also reveals a bifurcation process occurring, whereby control over centralized capital by the core capitalist structure in place since the start of the system is being challenged from within by the rise of China, with contending socialist principles and a different path to dominance than the European core. Based on the Nkrumahist theory of revolution, the possibilities of African peripheral isolate systems with communal principles generalizing in a period of core system collapse are discussed.
A comprehensive model to history match and predict gas/water production from coal seams

Abstract Coalbed methane (CBM) currently accounts for approximately 5% of U.S. annual gas production. The performance prediction of CBM is very complex. It is highly affected by the complexity of porosity–permeability variation, reduction due to formation compaction, enhancement due to matrix shrinkage, and the two-phase flow effects. An additional complexity is added if the initial gas content, permeability, and porosity are not available. In this paper an integrated model was developed to simulate the behavior of CBM. A developed generalized material balance equation is used to account for the solubility of the methane in water, and the changes of porosity and permeability with pressure depletion. The equation is formatted similarly to the conventional material balance of oil reservoirs. An optimization algorithm was also used with the integrated model. The model could be used as a history matching tool to estimate the original gas-in-place (the adsorbed gas-in-place and the free gas-in-place), the initial formation permeability, the gas and water relative permeability exponents, and the matrix shrinkage coefficient that reflected the permeability changes. The developed model was validated by use of different simulation cases generated with a commercial simulator. The results show a good match between the simulation cases and the integrated model. The model was then used to analyze the production data of different CBM formations (the Fruitland and the Upper Pottsville Formations, USA). The model was used to match the production history data (gas and water rates) in order to estimate the gas-in-place and the formation properties. These parameters were then used to predict the production performance. The model can be run with different production control conditions such as the constant water rate or the constant bottom-hole flowing pressure. This model could be used as a helpful tool in CBM investment and development. It can also be used to obtain the key reservoir parameters for newly discovered reservoirs such as gas-in-place, initial water-in-place, water production rate, gas production rate, and the peak gas rate. With this information, an investor will better determine the feasibility of a project. Also, this model can be used to optimize the dewatering rate (initial water production rate) in order to optimize the time taken to reach the peak gas rate.
Integrated SiPh Flex-LIONS Module for All-to-All Optical Interconnects with Bandwidth Steering

We experimentally demonstrate the first all-to-all optical interconnects with bandwidth steering using an integrated 8×8 SiPh Flex-LIONS module. Experimental results show a 5-dB worst-case crosstalk penalty and 25 Gb/s to 100 Gb/s bandwidth steering.
The Role of Telenephrology in the Management of CKD

CKD is a common illness across societies, affecting an estimated 13% of the population worldwide (1). The prevalence of CKD is thought to be rising, likely due to a combination of an aging population and increases in comorbid chronic conditions—such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—that contribute to its pathogenesis. In the United States, the prevalence of CKD is estimated at nearly 15%, and Medicare spent $114 billion on CKD and ESKD in 2018 (2). Whereas studies indicate that early referral to nephrologists may improve outcomes in CKD, many patients do not see nephrologists until late in the course of their disease. Barriers to early referral include geographic remoteness, with patients living far from available nephrologic care, and difficulties in traveling due to the burden of comorbidities (3⇓⇓–6). Rural patients with CKD have been found to have poorer quality-of-care markers, including timely measurement of urinary albumin excretion and appropriate use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and experience a greater risk for hospitalization and all-cause mortality than urban patients with CKD (5,6). Telemedicine, a video-based healthcare delivery technology, has the potential to attenuate these disparities and has been used in multiple chronic illnesses, including heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although the approach is not appropriate for all encounters, nephrology is, in many ways, particularly suited for telemedicine. The longitudinal follow-up of patients with CKD is heavily dependent on repeat laboratory evaluations and detailed history taking. Although questions regarding changes in weight or edema can be critical, the majority of visits do not center on extensive physical examinations. Similarly, patient appointments for the management of hypertension are typically focused on reviews of BP logs and office measurements of vital signs, whereas encounters for nephrolithiasis involve appraisal of laboratory evaluations …
Development of the high-productivity marine microalga, Picochlorum renovo, as a photosynthetic protein secretion platform

Abstract Microalgae are remarkable in their ability to convert CO2 and sunlight into renewable biomass and bioproducts. Here, we have established a novel photosynthetic protein production platform via computational prediction and genetic engineering using native microalgal protein secretory signal peptides to achieve functional secretion of the fluorescent protein mCherry. Importantly, this work was conducted in the recently characterized alga Picochlorum renovo, an alga of industrial interest due to its rapid growth rate, tolerance to both high temperature and salinity, and genetically tractable nuclear and chloroplast genomes. Genomic queries allowed the identification of native secretory signal peptides, which were N-terminally fused to mCherry allowing for secretion into the culture supernatant. Further characterization revealed no impact on fitness, a production rate of 0.19 mg/L/day, and titer of 0.37 mg/L of transgenic mCherry protein in culture supernatant. These findings lay the foundation for applied genetic engineering approaches that could enable CO2-sequestering, sustainable photoproduction of industrially relevant enzymes at low cost.
Creating Visually Appropriate Classroom Environments for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The likelihood of teaching a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has steadily increased over the past two decades. However, the practical information about working with students with ASD ha...
The Way Forward: Improving Genetic Systems

This chapter reviews the research that has led to the first successes in genetic transformation of arthropod-borne bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales in the Alphaproteobacteria subdivision. Seminal results provided the very first evidence that direct genetic manipulation of rickettsiae was achievable, and that the bacteria were able to maintain and express foreign genetic sequences inserted via allelic exchange/homologous recombination under control of rickettsial or Escherichia coli promoters. This work set the stage for all subsequent research efforts aspiring to manipulate and analyze rickettsiae in a manner that is nearly commonplace in extracellular bacteria. The Himar1 transposase allele A7 has been successfully used for mutagenesis of A.phagocytophilum and fever groups of rickettsial tick symbionts have been spotted using fluorescent markers and antibiotic resistance. Selection of mutants using growth inhibitors is an indispensible strategy to recover mutants from the background of nontransformed bacteria. The most common strategy is incorporation of an antibiotic resistance gene in the transformation cassette. When working with human or animal pathogens, this is a sensitive issue, as introduction of resistance to antibiotics used to treat disease induced by the pathogen to be transformed is not encouraged. This poses a dilemma, as the most effective selection is likely achieved by using the clinically most effective antibiotics. The authors suggests that shuttle vectors would be useful for testing the function of genes that are naturally defective in certain Rickettsia spp., in complementation assays, overexpression of native or foreign genes, testing gene regulation, and other applications carried out in E.coli.
SU-E-T-251: Developing a Daily Proton Beam Monitoring System

Purpose: To develop a daily monitoring system for proton beam output check and beam uniformity check. Methods: Designed for continuously irradiated photon and electron beams with a field size of 20 cm x 20 cm, the daily output checker (Sun Nuclear, Inc.) is not suitable for monitoring proton beams with inter-pulse beam-off and a field size smaller than 14–16 cm in diameter. To allow such proton beam monitoring, the following tests were performed. 1. Absolute dose and array calibrations which accept continuous irradiation only, were performed using photon beams. 2. Five ion chambers within the central area of 8 cm x 8 cm were utilized to check constancy of output at the center of beam modulation and at distal edge and to check beam symmetry and flatness. 3. To simplify our evaluation, the array calibration was manually modified, such that all five chambers report equal values in spite of their differences in build-up thicknesses. 4. The chamber at the lower-right corner is placed under a buildup thickness that can offer dose measurement at the distal edge. This buildup thickness was determined by proton beam range measurements, which established buildup thickness for beam output measurement at the central chamber and range measurement at the corner chamber. 5. The beam-off delay which allows receipt of pulsed irradiation was activated and optimal delay times were determined for each proton beam at 149.6, 185.6, and 249.5 MeV. Results: The above system was tested by miss-steering proton beams and altering phantom thickness by 1 mm at a time. The system reliably monitored the beam with: 3% tolerance for beam flatness, symmetry and output. The range difference of 0.5 mm could be detected at all energies by setting a tolerance of 20%. Conclusion: A quick daily proton beam monitoring system was feasible.
Use of ocean related challenges in engineering education

To educate undergraduate and graduate students in the fundamentals of robotics focused engineering science, it is necessary to provide hands-on laboratory experiences that illuminate the theories and show their practical applications. Through a program of courses and real world applications it is possible to extend a students knowledge and expertise in areas of relevance and get students on the cutting edge of technology. In addition, the use of multiple team projects enables students to work cooperatively, creatively and to apply theory to solutions for challenging ocean problems. Also, while building the students skills, we can use these programs to help deepen their understanding of the social and environmental impacts their solutions pose. To demonstrate their knowledge and depth of understanding in engineering practice, for many students we use complex ocean platforms and problems. Depending on the scale we sometimes break these into a series of stand-alone sub-systems. Each student has to complete a capstone project and compete for awards in their specific discipline as well as an overall first place within the school of engineering. The selection process is accomplished using industrial and academic engineers as judges with a fixed set of criteria and judging rules. At a minimum to graduate each student must demonstrate design and development of functional components, systems, tests, or services that meet the agreed on specifications in the context of economic, environmental, and societal requirements assigned by the student advisor. The skills that are judged include working in a team environment, contribution of knowledge and expertise, and a demonstration of leadership in their specific field of engineering on a multi-disciplinary team. They must also communicate effectively with colleagues, customers, subordinates, and managers, demonstrate in presentations and documentation for the capstone project. The competition is expressly designed to look at how well students apply concepts of math, science, and engineering. Also, to see how effective their designs, experiments conducted, and data analysis apply to the capstone project goals. This paper uses several different examples, from both undergraduate and graduate students to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach to engineering education.
Some newer aspects of reproductive physiology

Abstract This paper deals with several problems in the field of reproductive physiology, chosen because of their newness and their importance, and because they indicate new trends in this field. The most outstanding advance of the past few years is the recent work on the chemistry of the male and female gonadal hormones (estrin, progestin, androkinin), indicating as it does the close chemical kinship of all three. Furthermore, a similarly close relation has been demonstrated between these hormones and certain well-known chemical substances of the sterol group, as well as the bile acids, certain vitamins, and certain carcinogenic substances. This last named relationship has sent investigators off full cry on a new scent, and it is even possible that the cancer problem may be unlocked with an endocrine key. While hitherto reproductive physiology has been concerned almost entirely with endocrinology, investigators are beginning to go beyond the endocrine glands in explaining certain cyclical phenomena, and to speak of a sex center located somewhere in the midbrain. Certain cyclical disturbances of menstruation would seem to justify such an assumption and to suggest also a possible participation of the posterior lobe. One of the most interesting phenomena coming under this head is the weight increase and edema seen in many women at menstruation, and in exaggerated form in the so-called generalized edema of menstruation. This type of cyclical water balance disturbance may be seen even in the absence of a bleeding cycle. Its exact mechanism is not known, but its occurrence seems in some way linked up with a change in the globulin-albumin proportions of the blood serum. Reference is made again to the undoubted possibility that periodic bleeding, clinically interpreted by the patient as normal menstruation, may occur without ovulation. The bearing of this on the study of sterility is obvious, for it undoubtedly explains some cases. The technic which we have found most satisfactory in determining whether or not a patient is ovulating is briefly described. Finally, brief reference is made to recent investigations suggesting that menstrual bleeding is due to withdrawal of progestin rather than of estrin, as has been generally accepted. Because of the now well-established chemical relation between estrin and progestin, and the fact that they exert a similar inhibiting effect upon the hypophysis, there is no material change in the general concept of the mechanism responsible for the bleeding of menstruation.
Mutations of the LYL1 gene in patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (59.7)

The lymphoblastic leukemia - 1 (LYL1) gene is a transcription factor believed, when upregulated, to support the formation of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (TALL). One possible cause for the u...
Measure valued solutions to the stochastic Euler equations in \mathbb {R}^d

We establish the existence of measure-valued solutions of the stochastic Euler equations in $$\mathbb {R}^d, \, d \ge 2.$$ Our definition of a measure-valued solution is based on that for the deterministic Euler equations. Our first result is the existence over a given probability space in the spirit of Bensoussan and Temam (J Funct Anal 13:195–222, 1973). The main tool is measurable selection established in Stroock and Varadhan (Multidimensional diffusion processes, 1997). As a necessary step for this result, we also present a new existence result on the stochastic Navier–Stokes equations. Our second result is the existence of a martingale measure-valued solution. The main tool is the generalized Skorokhod representation theorem due to Jakubowski (Theory Probab Appl, 42:167–174, 1998).
Chapter 35 – Globoside blood group collection

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the terminology, history, occurrence, expression, and clinical significance of Pk antigen and LKE antigen. The molecular basis associated with Pk antigen, effect of enzymes/chemicals on Pk antigen on intact RBCs, in vitro characteristics of alloanti-Pk, and clinical significance of alloanti-Pk are described in the chapter. The molecular basis associated with LKE antigen, effect of enzymes/chemicals on LKE antigen on intact RBCs, in vitro characteristics of alloanti-LKE, and clinical significance of alloanti-LKE are discussed in the chapter.
Object Recognition and Performance Bounds

Object recognition is the classification of objects into one of many a priori known object classes. In addition, it may involve the estimation of the pose of the object and/or the track of the object in a sequence of images. Bayesian statistical pattern recognition, neural networks and rule based systems have been used to address the object recognition problem. In the case of statistical pattern recognition it is assumed that the a priori probability density functions are known or that they can be estimated from the given samples. For neural networks the samples may be used to train a network and the coefficients for the network function may be estimated. Whereas, in the case of the rule based system, rules may be given by an expert or they may be estimated from the samples. However, Bayesian framework provides a methodology for the estimation of error bounds on the performance of the recognition system. The paper discusses the Bayesian paradigm and contrasts its ability to provide performance bounds as compared to neural networks and rule based systems. Future direction of results on object recognition and performance bounds will also be discussed.
KILLUM AND EATUM: IDENTITY CONSOLIDATION IN A MIDDLE-CLASS POLY-DRUG ABUSE SUB-CULTURE*

This paper utilizes linguistic categories to analyze a middle-class poly-drug abuse group called “Killum and Eatum” (K and E). Core members ranged in age from 20-25 and most were in college or had dropped out after one or two years. The term “Killum and Eatum” was derived from what the group leader (the Wizard) referred to as the group’s “ethos,” a set of norms and beliefs based upon the assumption that individuals have a choice in life: to kill and eat or be killed and eaten. The K and E ethos served two functions for the group: (a) as an explanation (account) for their current status in the drug scene, i.e., they had been killed and eaten by the “establishment,” and (b) as a justification for continued commitment to this scene, i.e., to avoid being killed and eaten or to learn to be a killer and eater rather than a victim. K and E also provided a framework in which variations upon certain middle-class values and skills such as competition and verbal fluency became the basis for improvisational activity around which each member could participate and consolidate a new identity. It is suggested that this fits closely to Gordon’s description of the process through which deviant identities are consolidated by creative fusion of old and new belief systems. The concept of sub-culture has been widely applied in Sociology and Anthropology (Kluckholm, 1962; Yinger, 1960; Becker, 1963). In making an exhaustive review of this literature, however, Johnson (1980) concluded that many meanings of the concept are too broad to be used in the analysis of patterns of drug use. As Fine and Kleinman (1979) suggest, sub-cultures are not synonymous with static, relatively fixed subsocieties but emerge from, and are maintained by, complex processes of interaction among and between members and other significant groups in the larger community. What emerges and must be maintained, according to Wolfgang (1967), is a complex set of meanings “ . . . composed of values, conduct norms, social institutions, role definitions, and performances, sharing transmissions, and learning of values. Unfortunately, there have been limited studies which document how these meanings emerge, are maintained, and changed through time.” Two important concepts are emerging from the literature which offer useful perspectives for viewing the processes involved in developing and maintaining deviant subcultures. First, the development and maintainance of a sub-culture depends upon successful
Flattening topologically spherical surface

The problem of optimal surface flattening in 3-D finds many applications in engineering and manufacturing. However, previous algorithms for this problem are all heuristics without any quality guarantee and the computational complexity of the problem was not well understood. In this paper, we prove that the optimal surface flattening problem is NP-hard. Further, we show that the problem of flattening a topologically spherical surface admits a PTAS and can be solved by a (1+?)-approximation algorithm in O(nlog?n) time for any constant ?>0, where n is the input size of the problem.
Recurrence relations for the spectrum polynomial of a matroid

Combinatorial Laplace operators on the simplicial complex of independent sets of a loopless matroid M are known to have non-negative integral spectra (J. Amer. Math. Soc. B 13 (2000) 129). The spectrum polynomial of M, a polynomial in two variables formulated via the flats of M, is a generating function for the spectra of these operators. In this paper, we establish recurrence formulas for the spectrum polynomial of a matroid, analogous to the deletion-contraction recursions for the Tutte polynomial. However, we show that for any matroid M and e ∈ M the new formulas for the spectrum polynomial depend on whether or not e is closed in M. In particular, the spectrum polynomial is a new invariant for matroids that is not a Tutte-Grothendieck invariant.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Ambulatory Surgery

Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) provide significant improvement in postoperative analgesia and quality of recovery for ambulatory surgery. Use of continuous PNB techniques extend these benefits beyond the limited duration of single-injection PNBs. The use of ultrasound guidance has significantly improved the overall success, efficiency, and has contributed to the increased use of PNBs in the ambulatory setting. More recently, the use of ultrasound guidance has been demonstrated to decrease the risk of local anesthetic systemic toxicity. This article provides a broad overview of the indications and clinically useful aspects of the most commonly used upper and lower extremity PNBs in the ambulatory setting. Emphasis is placed on approaches that can be used for single-injection PNBs and continuous PNB techniques.
Phosphorus Pools in Tree and Intercanopy Microsites of a Juniper–Grass Ecosystem

Gradients of soil-nutrient distribution between trees and intercanopy areas are common in many semiarid woodland ecosystems. To test if microsites under and between canopies influenced P pool distribution in a semiarid woodland dominated by one-seed juniper [Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg.] and galleta grass [Hilaria jamesii (Torr.) Benth.], we compared inorganic, organic, and microbial P pools under trees and intercanopy areas of two Aridisols. Soils collected (5-15 cm depth) under eight tree canopies and in eight intercanopy areas from a Calciorthid and a Camborthid were subjected to a sequential P fractionation scheme. Soils and microsites were significant independent factors determining total soil P which ranged from 814 μg P g -1 soil (SE = 25) to 1123 μg P g -1 soil (SE = 21). Resin P was significantly influenced by the interaction of soils with microsite. Organic hydroxide P was the largest organic P fraction and exceeded or equaled the amount of resin P. It differed significantly between the Calciorthid at 10.1 μg P g -1 soil (SE = 1.0) and the Camborthid at 22.1 μg P g -1 soil (SE = 1.6). Microsite and soil did not significantly affect microbial P, which ranged from 12.9 μg P g -1 soil (SE = 2.1) to 17.0 μg P g -1 soil (SE = 0.7). Nutrients and microbial activity are usually concentrated under canopies in semiarid and arid ecosystems. This research shows that P pools distribution in the studied ecosystem did not follow this general pattern, and that soils may be more important in determining P pool distribution than microsites.
Hole repair and the influence of learning on nest repair in the paper wasp,Polistes fuscatus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Two methods of hole repair used by the paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus,were examined and compared, and the hypothesis that nest repair behavior may improve with experience was tested. Similarly sized holes were repeatedly made in the sides of nests and the repair behavior of the nest residents was recorded. The distance of the hole from the cell mouth determined which repair method was used. In addition, both the amount of time for hole repair completion and the number of pulp loads used in making the repair decreased significantly with experience.
Varicella zoster virus vasculopathy: clinical features and pathogenesis

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy is caused by productive virus infection of cerebral arteries, leading to inflammation, pathological vascular remodeling, and ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. VZV vasculopathy occurs in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals and involves both large and small vessels. MRI abnormalities include more deep-seated than superficial lesions, particularly at gray–white matter junctions, and lesions may enhance. Diagnosis is challenging, since stroke can occur months after zoster rash and in the absence of rash or CSF pleocytosis. The best virological test for diagnosis is detection of anti-VZV IgG antibody in the CSF. Pathological studies of VZV-infected arteries from patients with VZV vasculopathy reveal that the arterial adventitia is the initial site of infection, after which virus spreads transmuraly towards the lumen. Histological and immunohistochemical studies of VZV-infected arteries show a thickened intima, disrupted internal elastic lamina, and loss of smooth muscle cells, that likely contribute to weakening of the vessel wall and occlusion. Early in disease, VZV-infected arteries contain CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and rare B cells, in addition to abundant neutrophils in early disease. Importantly, perivascular inflammatory cells underlie the areas of thickened intima, raising the possibility that soluble factors secreted by these cells contribute to arterial remodeling. This review discusses the clinical features of VZV vasculopathy and potential mechanisms of VZV-induced cerebrovascular remodeling and stroke.
pH-adjustment of 2-chloroprocaine quickens the onset of epidural anaesthesia.

The effect of pH-adjustment of three per cent 2-chloroprocaine (2-CP, Nesacaine MPF®) on the onset, duration, and spread of epidural analgesia and anaesthesia was studied in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery. Forty ASA physical status I and II patients were randomized to two groups. In a doubleblinded fashion, patients in both groups received an epidural injection of 15 ml of local anaesthetic (LA) solution via a Tuohy needle at the L3−4 interspace. Local anaesthesia for Group I was prepared by adding 3 mEq NaHCO3 to 27 ml three per cent 2-CP and for Group II was prepared by adding 3 ml 0.9 per cent NaCl to 27 ml three per cent 2-CP. Both solutions contained epinephrine (1:200,000). The pH of commercially prepared Nesacaine MPF® was 3.19 ± 0.02. The pH of the solutions used for Group I and Group II patients were 7.32 ± 0.01 and 3.27 ± 0.02, respectively. Times to analgesia and anaesthesia at the L2 dermatome were significantly decreased in Group I patients by 2.5 and 6.6 minutes, respectively. Likewise, pH-adjustment accelerated the attainment of maximum level of block by 2.8 min. No statistical differences were found between groups in the maximum level of epidural block, or in time to 2-segment regression. No precipitation of LA was observed in pH-adjusted solutions of 2-CP after 24 hours. We recommend the use of pH-adjusted three per cent 2-CP (Nesacaine MPF®) to accelerate the onset of epidural block.
Controlled Invariance for Singular Distributions

For an analytic affine control system and an analytic locally controlled invariant distribution $\Delta$ with singularities, which is already invariant under the vector fields corresponding to the controls (in other words is input-insensitive), the problem of finding a feedback that will render $\Delta$ controlled invariant is studied. This can be done if one can solve a degenerate system of partial differential equations (PDEs). The latter can be achieved in the presence of scaling-like symmetries.
Optimum Tapped Delay Line for Digital Signals

The problem of finding the optimum tapped delay line (TDL) gain settings for a digital communications receiver with a detection process involving a single threshold level (zero volts) is examined. Based on a minimax criterion which seeks to maximize the eye opening-to-rms noise ratio, an optimum set of tap gains is found with the aid of a geometric construction in n -dimensional space. An iterative procedure for calculating the tap gains is derived from the n -dimensional space concepts. With some slight modifications, the same procedure is used to obtain the optimum TDL when the detection process involves two threshold levels (\pm E volts) . The optimization scheme described by Lucky is also given a geometric interpretation so that the two methods can be compared; in some cases, they yield identical results.
Sunflower Methyl Ester as an Engine Fuel: Performance Evaluation and Emissions Analysis

Biodiesel from sunflower oil offers a potential as an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel and must be evaluated in terms of the resulting engine performance and exhaust emissions. Two diesel engines rated at 14.2 kW (small) and 60 kW (large) were operated on pure sunflower methyl ester (SFME) and its blends with a reference diesel (REFDIESEL). Results showed that less power and torque were delivered by both the small and large engines when ran on pure SFME than on REFDIESEL, while brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) was found to be higher in pure SFME. Blends of SFME with REFDIESEL (B5 and B20) showed negligible power loss and similar BSFC with the REFDIESEL. Higher concentrations of nitrogen oxides (), carbon dioxide (CO2), and total hydrocarbons (THC) in the exhaust emissions were observed for both pure SFME and SFME-REFDIESEL fuel blends. Comparison with soybean methyl ester indicates similar engine performance. Thus, blends of SFME with diesel may be used as a supplemental fuel for steady-state nonroad diesel engines to take advantage of the lubricity of biodiesel as well as contributing to the goal of lowering the dependence to petroleum diesel.
Proliferation and apoptosis of B220+ CD4−CD8−TCRαβintermediate T cells in the liver of normal adult mice: implication for Ipr pathogenesis

Small numbers of T cells have been isolated from the normal mouse liver and many of these are of the CD4-CD8-TCR alpha beta+ phenotype. Larger numbers of such cells are present in the livers of mice homozygous for the lpr mutation and the liver has been proposed to be the site of an extrathymic T cell development pathway that is expanded in lpr/lpr mice. Using a modified separation procedure that increases the liver T cell yield, we have been able to characterize a subset of CD4-CD8-TCR alpha beta intermediate T cells that express the B220 epitope of the CD45 molecule, and resemble in this and many other ways the accumulating T cells in lpr lymph nodes. These cells are an actively dividing population and even in healthy, unmanipulated mice a large proportion of them are undergoing apoptosis. We propose the model that the normal liver is a major site for T cell destruction and that the lpr defect results in failure of this process with leakage of B220+CD4-CD8-TCR alpha beta+ cells from the liver to peripheral lymphoid tissues, particularly lymph nodes.
Purification and chemical analysis of Shope papilloma virus.

Abstract Rate zonal density gradient centrifugation of preparations of Shope papilloma virus revealed three components (slow, middle, and fast) which were morphologically and serologically related. The slow sedimenting component was noninfectious, contained little or no DNA, and had a buoyant density of 1.29 in CsCl. The middle and fast sedimenting components were infectious and had the same buoyant density of 1.34 in CsCl. The middle sedimenting component, yielding a single band upon equilibrium sedimentation in CsCl, was found upon analysis to contain protein and 12% DNA, but no essential lipid and no detectable polyamines. Protein end-group analyses by treatment with hydrazine or with carboxypeptidase A showed the carboxyl terminal amino acid residue to be threonine. The amino-terminal group was unreactive toward fluorodinitrobenzene. The viral protein was analyzed for total amino acid content. Infectious DNA was extracted from the virus by treatment with 80% phenol, and shown to be free of contaminating virus by equilibrium density gradient centrifugation in CsCl.
Hypereosinophilia associated with cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma.

Hypereosinophilia, defined as an absolute eosinophil count exceeding 1,500/mm3, is caused by a limited number of disorders. Its association with malignancy is a rare occurrence that typically denotes extensive metastasis and a poor prognosis. Several theories have been proposed to explain the hypereosinophilia associated with malignancy, focusing on the production of eosinophilopoietic cytokines by tumors. We describe a patient with hypereosinophilia associated with a cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma, review the etiologies of hypereosinophilia, and discuss the possible mechanisms. Am. J. Hematol. 74:64–67, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vegetative incompatibility in Endothia parasitica

Endothia parasitica , which causes a canker disease of chestnut trees, has a system of vegetative incompatibility similar to that found in other ascomycetes. Incompatible interaction of strains on agar media leads to a barrage and the formation of pycnidia with conidia. Twenty-eight compatibility groups have been identified among mass mycelial isolates from natural cankers from Italy, France, and North America and single ascospore clones from North America. Single random ascospore and tetrad clones were tested for compatibility and the results provide new evidence that this fungus is homothallic with the ability to outcross. Hypovirulent strains do not behave in a predictable manner in vitro with regard to vegetative incompatibility. There is evidence for anastomoses in the host between hypovirulent and virulent strains in different compatibility groups.
Restricted posterior cortical lesion influences on learning and retention of a successive brightness discrimination

Rats with lesions of the occipital pole or a more anterior extrastriate area were tested on either original learning of a successive brightness discrimination or retention of this task after acquisition as a normal. Equivalent original learning losses relative to normals were sustained from both lesions, but while extrastriates showed substantial savings in retention, rats with occipital pole damage required as many relearning trials as were necessary for original learning by brain-damaged groups. It was suggested that the effect of the anterior extrastriate lesion was to impair a spatial or positional component of discrimination performance, and that this component might differ from one related to visual task properties, especially in terms of recovery of function following brain damage.
Cultural entrenchment: Explaining gaps between ecosystem-based management policy and practice in the forests of Newfoundland

Forests in North America have been managed, or unmanaged, under a number of different policy regimes, most recently ecosystem-based management (EBM), which has emerged in response to perceived widespread ecological degradation. But as policy regimes shift, links between stated objectives and the tools or mechanisms to achieve those objectives need to be forged. This case study of forestry on the island of Newfoundland provides an illustration of the gaps between EBM policy and practice, and insights into why EBM can be difficult to implement. Though the case of Newfoundland is unusual because of its isolation, narrow set of economic options, and weak ENGO sector, its adherence to a traditional timber regime offers lessons for the ways that policies move from agenda setting to implementation. In this case, the role of cultural entrenchment—a commitment to timber-based management and to a provincial model of economic support for large-scale industry—created a negative feedback loop that undermined new policy objectives. But a window of opportunity has emerged as a result of pulp and paper industry decline, and so overcoming cultural entrenchment and building a new forest management regime centered on EBM is possible through clearly articulated policy mechanisms and the integration of new forms of expertise.
Microsatellite isolation from the gall midge Spurgia capitigena (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a biological control agent of leafy spurge

Spurgia capitigena is a gall midge that has been released as a biological control agent of leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula ), a noxious rangeland weed in North America. We isolated 15 microsatellite loci from S. capitigena with from two to 27 alleles at each locus. These markers will allow us to examine the structure and levels of neutral genetic variation in native and introduced populations.