cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peripheral neuropathy and peripheral nerve injury.

The peripheral nerves to the bladder can be damaged by metabolic, infectious, degenerative, or toxic mechanisms or through iatrogenic injury. Patients with peripheral neuropathies involving bladder innervation can be significantly debilitated by the resultant dysfunction. Many of these processes are common, and urologists must be familiar with the typical urodynamic findings encountered in each condition in order to better facilitate choice of optimal management strategies. ANATOMY Both autonomic and somatic pathways are critical to mict~rition.~~ Figure 1 illustrates the peripheral innervation to the bladder and urethra. Parasympathetic input derives from cell bodies located in the detrusor nucleus of intermediolateral cell column in the second, third, and fourth sacral segments. The preganglionic nerves travel via the pelvic splanchnic nerves to synapse with postganglionic nerves in the pelvic plexus or within the detrusor itself. Sympathetic input arises from neurons in the interomediolateral cell columns of the lowest two thoracic and upper three lumbar segments and they converge to form the superior hypogastric plexus, which bifurcates below the great vessels into paired inferior hypogastric nerves. Postganglionic fibers supply the pelvic viscera and the pelvic plexus. Thus, the pelvic plexus is an important site of autonomic integration, with communication from both the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. Somatic input to the striated voluntary muscle of the external urethral sphincter derives from the pudendal nerve arising from
Genetic and Functional Characterization of the N-Terminal Region of the Hepatitis C Virus NS2 Protein

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS2 protein has dual roles within the HCV life cycle. While well characterized as an autoprotease that cleaves the NS2/NS3 junction, NS2, primarily via its N-terminal region, is also involved in virion morphogenesis. In order to map the determinants necessary for infectious virus production and gain further insight into the multiple points at which NS2 may impact this process, a detailed mutational analysis of residues spanning amino acids (aa) 1 to 92 was performed. Initial block mutagenesis (5 or 7 amino acid residues) in both bicistronic and monocistronic HCV cell culture-based (HCVcc) genomes revealed that all but two blocks had various levels of impaired infectious virus production. None of these mutations affected RNA replication, indicating that the N-terminal region of NS2 is not required for NS2-3 processing and replicase assembly. Fine mapping identified 29 critical residues that, when mutated, yielded at least a 1 log decrease in infectious virus titers. These mutants were characterized further with respect to release of extracellular HCV RNA and core, intracellular infectivity, thermal stability of virus particles, and NS2 interactions. While the most severely debilitated mutants were impaired early in the assembly process, which is in agreement with previous reports, others targeted later steps of virus production, most notably egress. Thus, in addition to participating in early steps in virion assembly, this comprehensive mutagenesis study suggests yet another role for NS2 in later steps in virus production.
Observations on Reprocessing Frozen Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)

Pollock, processed and frozen in Alaska, were thawed and mechanically filleted using a modified LaPine filleting machine. A Yanagiya flesh separator was used to prepare minced flesh from the fillet trimmings. In addition to standard hand-packed fillet blocks, blocks were also prepared from randomly packed chopped fillets and chopped fillets mixed with varying amounts of minced flesh. The quality of the blocks was monitored during subsequent frozen storage by sensory and chemical tests. The results indicate that pollock is suitable for reprocessing. The quality of blocks prepared from chopped fillets was similar to that of conventional fillet blocks. Although minced flesh was less stable, an acceptable, but somewhat lower quality product could be made from a combination of fillets and 20% minced flesh.
Growth of biaxially textured RE2O3 buffer layers on rolled-Ni substrates using reactive evaporation for HTS-coated conductors

In an effort to develop alternative single buffer layer architectures for YBCO (YBa2Cu3O7-y) coated conductors, we have studied RE2O3 (RE = Y, and rare earths) as candidate materials. High-quality Y2O3, Gd2O3 and Yb2O3 buffer layers were grown epitaxially on biaxially textured Ni (100) substrates using reactive electron beam evaporation. Using thermodynamic considerations for the formation of metal oxides, we employed both reducing atmospheres and water vapour to oxidize the film in situ to form stoichiometric RE2O3. We have also prevented NiO formation at the substrate-film interface during this process. Detailed x-ray studies have shown that the Y2O3, Gd2O3 and Yb2O3 films were grown with a single epitaxial orientation. The lattice mismatch between YBCO and Gd2O3 was small as compared with that of YBCO with other rare earth oxides. SEM micrographs indicated that ~0.5 ?m thick Y2O3 films on rolled-Ni substrates were dense, continuous and crack free. A high Jc of 1.8 ? 106 A cm-2 at 77 K and self-field was obtained on YBCO films grown on alternative buffer layers with a layer sequence of YBCO/Yb2O3 (sputtered)/Y2O3 (e-beam)/Ni.
Folding polynomials and their dynamics

The equilateral triangle, the right isoceles triangle, and the 30-60-90 triangle are special in that they can be folded into replicas of themselves. We describe polynomial mappings which are equiva...
Intermittent Flow Modeling: Part I—Hydrodynamic and Thermal Modeling of Steady, Intermittent Flows in Constant Area Ducts

A model for predicting fluid flow and convective heat transfer in all flow regimes has been implemented for steady mainflows in pipes and ducts of constant cross section. The key feature of the model is its capability to predict transitions between purely laminar and purely turbulent flow, while the latter flows are also predicted with high accuracy. The flow regime need not be specified in advance but is determined automatically as the flow evolves during its passage along the pipe or duct. Intermittently in the transition regime is fully accounted. It was shown that fully developed flows are necessarily restricted to either the laminar regime or the turbulent regime, but that a fully developed intermittent regime exists. The effects of the flow conditions at the inlet of the pipe or duct, velocity profile shape and turbulence intensity, on the subsequent transitions were quantified. To facilitate the heat transfer analysis, the turbulent-Prandtl-number concept, widely used to inter-relate the turbulent viscosity and thermal conductivity, was extended to encompass both intermittent and laminar flows. The presented results include all-flow-regime fully developed friction factors and fully developed Nusselt numbers. The locations where laminar-flow breakdown occurs and where fully developed begins are also presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy versus radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives To compare intraoperative blood loss, perioperative hematocrit, and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) versus robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) by a single surgeon. Methods During a 14-month period, 279 patients with localized carcinoma of the prostate were prospectively enrolled in this comparative study. The decision of which surgical approach to use was by patient choice. Of the 279 patients, 176 underwent RALP and 103 underwent RRP. The serum hematocrit was obtained preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively in all patients. The intraoperative blood loss was recorded, and transfusion requirements were noted. Results Patients in the RALP group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss compared with the RRP group (mean 191 mL versus 664 mL, P Conclusions The results of this study have shown that RALP is associated with less intraoperative bleeding than RRP, and patients undergoing RALP have a greater serum hematocrit at hospital discharge. The lack of a statistically significant difference in blood transfusion was partially attributable to the low transfusion rate in both groups in this series.
Geology of South Bosco-Duson-Ridge Area, Acadia and Lafayette Parishes, Louisiana: ABSTRACT

The South Bosco-Duson-Ridge fields area is in the Oligocene and Miocene oil- and gas-producing trends of Acadia and Lafayette Parishes, Louisiana. In wells drilled to sufficient depth, three facies were found: End_Page 2319------------------------------ (1) a Pliocene and Miocene nearshore to continental massive sandstone facies; (2) an early Miocene and Oligocene continental-shelf facies of alternating sandstone and shale; and (3) a thick bathyal shale facies of Oligocene age. Oil and gas production in the area is confined almost entirely to sandstone beds in the continental-shelf facies. South Bosco-Duson-Ridge fields are on a faulted, elongated north-south anticline that trends normal to the regional stratigraphic strike. All faults are normal and are either down-to-the-basin or up-to-the-basin. The down-to-the-basin faults are regional and are parallel with the regional stratigraphic strike. The up-to-the-basin faults are compensating faults confined to the South Bosco-Duson-Ridge complex. The fault throw generally increases with depth. All the faults "die out" upward in the section in or before reaching early Miocene sedimentary rocks. Strata thicken into the downthrown sides of the faults and thin toward the crest and over the highest parts of the structure. The amounts of thickening or thinning generally increase with depth. Thus, fault movement and anticlinal folding were contemporaneous with sedimentation, continuously from Oligocene into Miocene time, and were most intense during Oligocene time. The South Bosco-Duson-Ridge structure probably originated from faulting and anticlinal folding on the continental slope during Oligocene time. Structural growth was greatest where the structure was in the unstable environment of the hinge line (or shelf edge). Structural activity continued during the deposition of the neritic sediments of the Oligocene and early Miocene but at a steadily reduced rate. The structure was buried by a great thickness of nearshore and continental massive sandstone beds during Miocene and Pliocene time. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2320------------
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis of several naturally occurring HPV-5 deletion mutant genomes.

Abstract Three deletion mutants of naturally occurring human papillomavirus type 5 (HPV-5) were molecularly cloned into phage vectors. The nature of these deletions was characterized initially by restriction endonuclease mapping and electron microscopic heteroduplex analysis and ultimately by nucleotide sequence analysis. The sizes of the deletions are 353, 1329, 1571, and 2267 by and map to the late gene region of the H PV-5 genome. The 80 nucleotides immediately adjacent to the deletions exhibit no significant detectable sequence homologies or symmetries and therefore were probably not formed by the sequence-dependent events of homologous recombination or site-specific recombination.
A technique for measuring strainrate sensitivity

A rapid technique for measuring strain-rate sensitivity with a single tensile test and without repeated rate changes is presented. This test is applicable to a limited class of alloys, requires only a fixed crosshead-speed tensile testing machine, and uses a strain recording method based on photo-printed grids on the specimen. The strain and strain-rate hardening properties are deconvoluted by computer analysis. Results of tests performed on a zinc-based sheet alloy show that both effects can be consistently characterized for the rolling, transverse, and 45 deg directions. The strain-rate sensitivities in these directions are found to be 0.070, 0.065 and 0.095 respectively.
Twin traveling-wave tube amplifiers driven by a relativistic backward-wave oscillator

Experiments demonstrate stable frequency and relative-phase angle output from twin traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifiers driven with the redirected signal from a high-power backward-wave oscillator (BWO). The experimental X-band apparatus employs a single generator to produce three independent electron beams which simultaneously drive the BWO and TWT sources. The BWO spontaneously generates up to 14.1 MW peak, 25 to 15-ns long pulses over a current-tunable bandwidth of 9.6%. The BWO power extracted upstream is split and redirected into twin TWT's for amplification. The TWT's produce up to 9.0 MW pulses over an 800 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Across the amplifier's full-width half-maximum pulse duration of 10 to 20 ns, a relative-phase angle of better than 15/spl deg/ is maintained between TWT's for an 11.0 to 11.7 GHz range. Experiments characterize the gain, relative-phase angle, and efficiency of twin-TWT output as a function of RF-drive frequency and beam current. These experiments are the first to demonstrate the feasibility of relativistic TWT's for phased-array applications, and increase the limited data base documenting relativistic-TWT operation.
The Sociology of Unionism: An Appraisal*

topical interest which organized labor commands in a time of profound industrial transition.1 Much of this writing about unions reveals either a sense of disillusionment with labor policy or an awareness that the great power of labor is, in fact, a modern myth.2 In this exchange between "friendly" labor critics and "staunch" labor defenders there is contained an assessment of the place, role, and values of trade unionism in the United States. Central to this discussion is a question of prime concern: will organized labor serve as the vehicle for powerful movements of social change. While the sociology of unionism covers a wide gamut of subjects ranging from an interest in the dyadic relationship between grievanceman and the aggrieved, to the consequences of peer group harmony for labor productivity, to case studies in the bureaucratic process, the heart of the field is devoted to an understanding of trade unionism as an agent of structural change.8 Organized labor, therefore, has been traditionally viewed in the literature as an anticapitalist social movement oriented to the transformation of the system. But even where the literature takes on a profoundly Marxist bent, it is regularly stated that the conscious direction which organized workers express will depend on several important social forces, including the tie with middle-class intellectuals who have the understanding and skill to move the "impoverished workers." Sorel's analysis of the myth of the general strike is pertinent, for it is exactly in his Reflections on Violence that spontaneity and planning, impulse and reason, are viewed as unitary features of the revolutionary upsurge.4 The Webbs' analysis of trade unionism is also immediately relevant, for it emphasizes the gradualist movement of industrialism, unionism, and intellectualism in the
Effect of androgens and glucocorticoids on microbial growth and antimicrobial susceptibility.

The effects of androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), of an environmental anti-androgen, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (DDE), and of glucocorticoids, hydrocortisone and dexamethasone, on growth kinetics and antibiotic susceptibility of E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeurginosa, and S. aureus were measured. For P. aeurginosa, the presence of either DHT or DDE caused at least a fourfold shift in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cefepime and tobramycin. DHT and DDE also affected the response of E. faecalis to meropenem and norfloxacin, resulting in a shift from sensitive to intermediate resistance (four-fold increase in MIC). Hydrocortisone (2 μM) induced an increase in the sensitivity of S. aureus to erythromycin, as compared to hormone-free control (from 0.5 to 0.06 μg/mL). The susceptibility pattern of E. coli was unaffected by the hormones tested. These changes in susceptibility to antibiotics were unrelated to alterations in growth kinetics. For all organisms tested, the alterations in MICs occurred only in the presence of hormone, indicative of changes in the phenotype of these stable quality control strains.
TH-E-BRF-04: Characterizing the Response of Texture-Based CT Image Features for Quantification of Radiation-Induced Normal Lung Damage

Purpose: Radiation induced lung damage (RILD) is an important dose-limiting toxicity for patients treated with radiation therapy. Scoring systems for RILD are subjective and limit our ability to find robust predictors of toxicity. We investigate the dose and time-related response for texture-based lung CT image features that serve as potential quantitative measures of RILD. Methods: Pre- and post-RT diagnostic imaging studies were collected for retrospective analysis of 21 patients treated with photon or proton radiotherapy for NSCLC. Total lung and selected isodose contours (0–5, 5–15, 15–25Gy, etc.) were deformably registered from the treatment planning scan to the pre-RT and available follow-up CT studies for each patient. A CT image analysis framework was utilized to extract 3698 unique texture-based features (including co-occurrence and run length matrices) for each region of interest defined by the isodose contours and the total lung volume. Linear mixed models were fit to determine the relationship between feature change (relative to pre-RT), planned dose and time post-RT. Results: Seventy-three follow-up CT scans from 21 patients (median: 3 scans/patient) were analyzed to describe CT image feature change. At the p=0.05 level, dose affected feature change in 2706 (73.1%) of the available features. Similarly, time affected feature change in 408 (11.0%) of the available features. Both dose and time were significant predictors of feature change in a total of 231 (6.2%) of the extracted image features. Conclusion: Characterizing the dose and time-related response of a large number of texture-based CT image features is the first step toward identifying objective measures of lung toxicity necessary for assessment and prediction of RILD. There is evidence that numerous features are sensitive to both the radiation dose and time after RT. Beyond characterizing feature response, further investigation is warranted to determine the utility of these features as surrogates of clinically significant lung injury.
Long‐Term Forage Production of North American Shortgrass Steppe

We evaluated the relationship between annual forage production and annual and seasonal precipitation and temperature at a shortgrass steppe site in north-central Colorado using a long-term data set (52 yr). We also constructed a relationship between forage production and aboveground net primary production (ANPP). Precipitation fluctuated randomly, but temperature had clear warming and cooling trends including a 17-yr warming trend from 1974 to 1990. Forage production was significantly related to both annual and seasonal precipitation but not temperature. Precipitation events between 15 and 30 mm accounted for most of the variability in production because they accounted for most of the variability in precipitation and because they wetted the soil layers that have the largest effect on production. Forage production amplified variability in annual precipitation. Production showed time lags of several years in responding to increases in precipitation. Change in vegetation structure has a characteristic response time, which contrains production responses in wet years. Constraint caused by vegetation structure is the reason why regional ANPP-precipitation models have a steeper slope than long-term models and point out a weakness of exchanging space for time in predicting production patterns.
Changes in liquid-junction potential following chloride replacement in cat papillary muscle

The transient depolarizations in cat papillary muscle produced by chloride substitution with low mobility anions are largely due to changes in liquid-junction potential at the tissue level.
Construction and Performance of Pervious Concrete Overlay at Minnesota Road Research Project

Portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) has shown great potential to reduce roadway noise, improve splash and spray, and improve friction as a surface wearing course. A study is under way at Iowa State University and the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center to develop mix designs and procedures for PCPC overlays for highway applications. A report is produced on the construction and performance of a PCPC overlay constructed at the Minnesota Road Research Project low-volume roadway test facility to determine the effectiveness of pervious concrete as an overlay. Issues related to construction of the overlay are described, as are results of field tests to characterize the condition of the pavement 7 months following construction, to determine flow characteristics of the overlay, and to characterize the tire-pavement noise of the overlay. Results of these studies show that effective PCPC overlays can be designed for wearing course applications.
Examination of fibronectin distribution and its sources in the regenerating newt limb by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization

Using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reactive to newt limb regenerates, we hope to gain insight into the identity and function of regeneration significant molecules. mAb MT4 (matrix 4) identifies an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that is strongly up-regulated first in the distal stump and then in the blastema during regeneration. Within the first 24 hr after amputation the MT4 antigen is localized to an acellular space beneath the wound epithelium, and first appears in the basal cells of the wound epithelium between days 5 and 7. At mid-bud blastema stages, the MT4 antigen is homogeneously distributed as thin fibers in the blastema ECM, and is later largely restricted to the distal tip of the blastema and the areas of cartilage condensation. After extraction and immunoblotting, the MT4 antigen was observed as three reduced species of M(r) 225, 250, and 260. Taken together, the immunoblot and immunocytochemistry results suggested that mAb MT4 recognized newt fibronectin (FN). Sequence from a cDNA (NvFN.10) obtained by screening a newt blastema cDNA expression library with mAb MT4 conclusively identified the MT4 antigen as FN. To further investigate the expression of FN in regeneration, cDNA NvFN.10 was used to construct a riboprobe and in situ hybridization was done. In the unamputated limb only a few scattered cells expressed the FN gene. Within the first 3 days after amputation strong hybridization signal was observed in the basal cells of the wound epithelium. Most of the stump cells that dedifferentiated and accumulated beneath the wound epithelium at 7 days expressed the FN gene, while the basal cells of the wound epithelium maintained their expression. At mid- and late-bud blastema stages the vast majority of the blastema cells were strongly expressing the FN gene, but the wound epithelial cells now showed only weak FN transcription. Thus initially FN comes from the plasma. Then FN is synthesized by both the wound epithelium and mesenchyme. Finally, at blastema stages FN is produced primarily by the mesenchyme. The expression pattern of FN throughout regeneration suggests that this glycoprotein has roles in wound epithelial and mesenchymal cell migration and mesenchymal cell proliferation and differentiation.
An operational review of the TUNL Cyclo-Graaff☆

Abstract The Cyclo-Graaff accelerator pioneered at TUNL is reviewed after five years of operating experience. The concept has proved successful and led to the development of a laboratory capable of a very wide range of experimental programs. Characteristics of Cyclo-Graaff operation are discussed with examples given of experimental results obtained. Additional experimental capabilities of the laboratory are briefly reviewed.
Heparin Is a Major Activator of the Anticoagulant Serpin, Protein Z-dependent Protease Inhibitor

Protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) is a recently identified member of the serpin superfamily that functions as a cofactor-dependent regulator of blood coagulation factors Xa and XIa. Here we provide evidence that, in addition to the established cofactors, protein Z, lipid, and calcium, heparin is an important cofactor of ZPI anticoagulant function. Heparin produced 20–100-fold accelerations of ZPI reactions with factor Xa and factor XIa to yield second order rate constants approaching the physiologically significant diffusion limit (ka = 106 to 107 m−1 s−1). The dependence of heparin accelerating effects on heparin concentration was bell-shaped for ZPI reactions with both factors Xa and XIa, consistent with a template-bridging mechanism of heparin rate enhancement. Maximal accelerations of ZPI-factor Xa reactions required calcium, which augmented the heparin acceleration by relieving Gla domain inhibition as previously shown for heparin bridging of the antithrombin-factor Xa reaction. Heparin acceleration of both ZPI-protease reactions was optimal at heparin concentrations and heparin chain lengths comparable with those that produce physiologically significant rate enhancements of other serpin-protease reactions. Protein Z binding to ZPI minimally affected heparin rate enhancements, indicating that heparin binds to a distinct site on ZPI and activates ZPI in its physiologically relevant complex with protein Z. Taken together, these results suggest that whereas protein Z, lipid, and calcium cofactors promote ZPI inhibition of membrane-associated factor Xa, heparin activates ZPI to inhibit free factor Xa as well as factor XIa and therefore may play a physiologically and pharmacologically important role in ZPI anticoagulant function.
Case Report of a Heterotopic Triplet and Tubal Pregnancy With Follow-Up Evaluation

The incidence of heterotopic pregnancy is rising as more patients use assisted reproduction techniques to conceive. The authors report a case of a heterotopic triplet tubal pregnancy that was managed successfully without surgical intervenion.
Apparel preferences of pregnant employed women

Women who have postponed childbirth to become established in a career are now embarking on parenthood while continuing to work throughout much of the pregnancy. As a result, pregnant employed women need clothing that will project an appropriate image. The purpose of this research was to determine the types of garments that pregnant employed women prefer to wear to work and to identify factors influencing the selection of those garments. Results indicated that there were differences among age range groups in selection of workplace attire, and among educational level groups in general fashion appeal of classically styled garments, selection of attire for the workplace, selection of nylon for the summer season, and in care required for garments. There were differences among income range groups in the classic category of general fashion appeal, in the selection of silk fibre for winter wear, and in care required for garments. This study supported the concept of a new and separate segment of the consumer market dealing with pregnant employed women. They have special needs for attire based on age range, educational level, and income range, that will project an appropriate image in the workplace and offer physical and psychological comfort as well.
Involvement of the α4β2 nicotinic receptor subtype in nicotine-induced attenuation of Δ9-THC cerebellar ataxia : Role of cerebellar nitric oxide

Abstract We have recently reported that mediation of intracerebellar nicotine-induced attenuation of cerebellar Δ 9 -THC ataxia was via the α 4 β 2 nAChR. The present study was meant to investigate the role of cerebellar nitric oxide (NO)-guanylyl cyclase (GC) signaling in the α 4 β 2 -mediated attenuation in CD-1 male mice. Drugs were given via intracerebellar microinfusion using stereotaxically implanted guide cannulas, with ataxia evaluated by Rotorod. Intracerebellar microinfusion of SNP (sodium nitroprusside, NO donor; 15, 30, 60 pg) and SMT ( S -methylisothiourea, inhibitor of inducible NO synthase; 70, 140, 280 fg) significantly enhanced and reduced, respectively, intracerebellar RJR-2403 (selective α 4 β 2 agonist)-induced attenuation of Δ 9 -THC ataxia dose-dependently. Intracerebellar isoliquiritigenin (GC-activator; 1, 2, 4 pg) and ODQ (1H[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, GC inhibitor; 200, 400, 800 fg), significantly enhanced and reduced, respectively, intracerebellar RJR-2403-induced attenuation of Δ 9 -THC ataxia dose-dependently. Further support for the role of NO was evidenced via increases in cerebellar NO x (nitrate + nitrite) levels following microinfusion of nicotine or RJR-2403 as compared to control, whereas Δ 9 -THC significantly decreased NO x levels. “Nicotine/RJR-2403 + Δ 9 -THC” treated mice had cerebellar NO x levels significantly increased as compared to mice infused with Δ 9 -THC alone. Results of the present investigation support the role of cerebellar NO–GC signaling in α 4 β 2 nAChR subtype-mediated attenuation of Δ 9 -THC ataxia.
Developing Sustainable Research Networks in Graduate Education

Abstract The traditional modes of knowledge production and circulation in academia are (slowly but surely) shifting from the hierarchical, top-down systems of print to the distributed, bottom-up systems of the Web. It is in the context of these shifts and the rapid development of Web 2.0 tools and methods that we argue for a concomitant shift in the predominant practices of graduate education in rhetoric—particularly for students of digital rhetoric. In this article, we describe the development of a research network that combines the power of digital networking with the collaborative facilitation offered by communities of practice and consider how research networks can be grown and sustained as part of the graduate education of technorhetoricians.
Insects as drivers of ecosystem processes

Insects and other small invertebrates are ubiquitous components of all terrestrial and freshwater food webs, but their cumulative biomass is small relative to plants and microbes. As a result, it is often assumed that these animals make relatively minor contributions to ecosystem processes. Despite their small sizes and cumulative biomass, we suggest that these animals may commonly have important effects on carbon and nutrient cycling by modulating the quality and quantity of resources that enter the detrital food web, with consequences at the ecosystem level. These effects can occur through multiple pathways, including direct inputs of insect biomass, the transformation of detrital biomass, and the indirect effects of predators on herbivores and detritivores. In virtually all cases, the ecosystem effects of these pathways are ultimately mediated through interactions with plants and soil microbes. Merging our understanding of insect, plant and microbial ecology will offer a valuable way to better integrate community-level interactions with ecosystem processes.
Fixed-ratio lever pressing by VMH rats: Work vs accessibility of sucrose reward☆

Abstract Rats with lesions of the medial hypothalamus including the ventromedial nuclei were compared with controls in terms of performance on two different series of fixed-ratio schedules. In the conventional variable series, the work requirement and the accessibility of food reward were altered by holding the magnitude of reward constant at 10 licks of 8% sucrose while the lever pressing requirement was successively doubled (e.g., 1 press/10 licks vs 2/10). In the constant series, the work requirement was held constant while accessibility was altered by doubling the number of licks earned whenever the instrumental requirement was doubled (e.g., 1 10 vs 2 20 ). On the conventional variable series, the experimental rats, both dynamic and static obese, made fewer lever presses than controls when the requirement exceeded 2 lever presses. In contrast, on the constant series, the experimental rats kept up with the controls until the requirement exceeded 16 lever presses. These results indicate that rats with medial hypothalamic lesions respond less than controls on conventional fixed-ratio schedules because they react differently both to a high work requirement and to low accessibility of reward.
A Computational Scheme for Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer Analysis in Porous Media for Recovery of Oil and Gas

A finite-element scheme has been formulated, which is capable of solving transient analysis of both conductive and convective heat transfers due to fluid flow in porous media. The model also includes the latent heat effect to consider the phase change aspect of a frozen medium. To test the validity of the model, it was applied to six cases for which analytical solutions are available. The test cases cover (i) single-phase fluid flow through porous media, (ii) radial conduction with and without phase change, (iii) conductive and convective heat transfer in an aquifer, and (iv) two-phase immiscible flow in porous media. In all these cases, good agreement with analytical solutions are observed validating the computational scheme. This computational scheme should be useful in solving frozen ground problems, thermal stimulation technique for natural gas recovery from hydrates, and single-phase and two-phase convective heat transfer problems in enhanced oil recovery scheme in petroleum engineering.
FDA Perspectives on Diagnostic Device Clinical Studies for Respiratory Infections

Two pathways are described for submission to FDA for clearance of a diagnostic device: a Premarket Application (PMA), which can lead to approval of a diagnostic device, and a Premarket Notification, which can lead to clearance. The latter is often called a 510(k), named for the statute providing for this path. Recent FDA clearance of molecular-based multiplex panels represents the beginning of a new era for the diagnosis of respiratory infections. The ability to test for multiple pathogens simultaneously, accompanied by the increasing availability of molecular-based assays for newly recognized respiratory pathogens will likely have a major impact on patient care, drug development, and public health epidemiology. We provide a general overview of how FDA evaluates new diagnostics for respiratory tract infections and the agency's expectations for sponsors developing new tests in this area.
Contralateral Coronoid Hyperplasia in Patients Undergoing Hemimandibulectomy With Disarticulation: A Case Series

Purpose The purpose of this article is to evaluate whether hemimandibulectomy with disarticulation predisposes the patient to the development of contralateral coronoid hyperplasia, thereby justifying a coronoidectomy procedure for these patients to improve jaw function and mouth opening and decrease the length of postoperative physical therapy. Patients and Methods Five patients who had hemimandibular resection with disarticulation for odontogenic cysts and benign tumors followed by hemimandibular graft reconstruction with either a cadaveric hemimandible or an iliac crest bone graft, or both, were retrospectively reviewed. The Levandoski panoramic radiograph analysis, which has been proven to be useful in evaluating facial asymmetry and hyperplasia of the coronoid process in adults, was used to analyze preoperative panoramic radiographs as well as those obtained at postoperative months 3 and 6. Results All patients performed postoperative range-of-motion exercises for treatment of limited mouth opening in a range between 12 to 24 mm lasting up to 3 or 4 months. Two patients had prolonged trismus with a maximum interincisal opening of about 30 mm. The mean preoperative Kr′ (koronion′)–Go′ (gonion′)/Cd′ (condylion′)–Go′ ratio was 0.92. A minimal increase in the Kr′-Go′/Cd′-Go′ ratio was noted at postoperative months 3 and 6, with mean values of 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. Only 3 patients showed minimal elongation of the coronoid process, with 1 having a notable increase from 0.91 to 1.04. Conclusions Trismus, the clinical sign of restricted jaw movement, can result from pathology in a variety of structures around the oral cavity. Among the general population, the normal Kr′-Go′/Cd′-Go′ ratio was found to be less than 1.07, which coincides with the preoperative mean Kr′-Go′/Cd′-Go′ ratio of 0.92 in our series. Our study sample showed a minimal increase in the Kr′-Go′/Cd′-Go′ ratio over the first 6 postoperative months, but the number of patients was not sufficient to conclude causality. The etiology of coronoid hyperplasia remains unclear, but the role of increased temporalis muscle activity cannot be excluded. We recommend the Levandoski analysis for patients who had hemimandibulectomy with disarticulation who complain of prolonged limited mouth opening. We also recommend considering coronoidectomy as a treatment option for those with persistent trismus and radiographic signs of coronoid hyperplasia.
Effects of juvenile hormone on polysome integrity

Abstract Juvenile hormone inhibits protein and RNA synthesis in cell cultures from Trichoplusia ni and in the testicular germinal cysts of Hyalophora cecropia pupae in vitro. Sucrose gradient analyses revealed that the polysomes of both the T. ni cells and the germinal cysts were disaggregated almost immediately after the addition of juvenile hormone in vitro with a corresponding dose-dependent increase in monosomes. It is suggested that previous reports revealing juvenile hormone inhibition of ecdysone stimulated RNA and protein synthesis may be due to polysome disaggregation. Further studies demonstrated that the effect is not restricted to insect cells and can be elicited by several other lipids devoid of juvenile hormone morphogenetic activity. Experiments with broken cell preparations and isolated polysomes suggest the necessity of cell membrane integrity for the effect on the polysomes. Several probing studies utilizing cycloheximide, ribonuclease, and high K+ concentrations were conducted on the means by which juvenile hormone and other lipids may elicit polysome disaggregation.
Simple and low-cost platforms for cognitive radio experiments [Application Notes]

In the decade since it was first proposed, cognitive radio (CR) has become a popular research topic. While most prototypes are based on a cognitive engine (CE) controlling a software defined radio (SDR) subsystem, in this article we present the reader with a somewhat novel CR architecture in which an RF application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or system on a chip replaces the usual SDR portion of a CR, reducing the radio's cost, computational complexity, and size. While our work was motivated a need to develop an inexpensive CR suitable for deployment in small radio controlled (RC) model-airplane-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), we hope the ideas presented here will be useful for engineering educators and CR researchers interested in learning about the RF and artificial intelligence (CE) aspects of CR and studying real radio behavior in live RF environments without designing and building specialized SDRs. We present a simple CR platform called SKIRL for experimentation and educational purposes, with a component cost less than US$240.
Audible Noise of Power Transformers

TRENDS in power-system design require installations of large power transformers in thickly populated areas. These trends have been brought about by increasing capacities of existing stations and by transforming power closer to the ultimate customer than has been done in the past.1 As a result, power-transformer manufacturers have been asked to build low-noise-level designs for these installations. Simultaneous with these new requirements being placed on them, manufacturers have been developing new materials, processes, and material applications; and to advance the art, certain of these improvements are being incorporated in designs. Themanufacturer then finds himself faced with the problem of designing for low noise levels and, at the same time, improving his product in quality, cost, and dependability. The way in whichthese two parts of the problem are related will be shown in this article.
Inhibition of lipid-linked saccharide synthesis by bacitracin.

Abstract The antibiotic bacitracin was found to inhibit the incorporation of mannose and GlcNAc from their respective sugar nucleotides into lipid-linked saccharides. The inhibition of both systems was apparent in the aorta particulate enzyme system but it was much more pronounced with the solubilized enzyme system. In both cases, GlcNAc incorporation into Dol-P-P-GlcNAc was more sensitive than mannose incorporation into Dol-P-Man, with 50% inhibition being seen at about 0.1–0.2 m m antibiotic. Bacitracin inhibition of mannose incorporation appeared to be overcome at high concentrations of dolichyl phosphate but, in these cases, an unexplained stimulation was observed. However, GlcNAc inhibition could not be overcome by high concentrations of dolichol phosphate, metal ion, or both together. Thus, the mechanism of inhibition by bacitracin is not clear. Bacitracin also inhibited the transfer of mannose from GDP-mannose to lipid-linked oligosaccharides and to glycoprotein in the particulate enzyme, as well as the transfer of radioactivity from Dol-P-Man or from lipid-linked oligosaccharides to glycoprotein. Thus, bacitracin apparently blocks each of the steps in the lipid-linked pathway. In yeast spheroplasts, bacitracin inhibited the incorporation of [ 14 C]mannose into Dol-P-Man, into lipid-linked oligosaccharides, and into glycoprotein. However, in this case, the antibiotic also blocked the incorporation of leucine into protein. Bacitracin also inhibited the cell-free synthesis of mannosyl-phosphoryl-decaprenol in Mycobacterium smegmatis with 50% inhibition being observed at a concentration of about 0.5 m m .
Geoelectromagnetic Variations over a Sloping Ocean Floor up to and Including the Coastline

The electric and magnetic field variations over an arbitrarily sloping ocean floor are represented in series of Bessel functions forH-polarized uniform plane wave excitation. Calculation of the spatial variations of electric eurrents and apparent resistivity near a coastline will determine the usefulness of the magnetotelluric method in this application.
Toward optimum group placement from the perspective of the self or self-experience

This paper offers referring and prospective group analysts/therapists a way of conceptualizing optimum placement. This approach, using the charts provided, will aid in determining the patient's current needs based on past and present selfobject functions, deficits/ derailments, and traumatizations. The charts also offer the group analyst/therapist a tool with which to evaluate the present selfobject functions, impingements, and traumatizations that may be available in a prospective group to determine whether the match is appropriate or whether group should be the treatment modality of choice. When the interviewing analyst/therapist has taken all of the current and past selfobject functions and traumatizations into account, the patient can be expected to benefit from the most growth-enhancing placement available.
Relativistic Jets Shine through Shocks or Magnetic Reconnection

Observations of gamma-ray-bursts and jets from active galactic nuclei reveal that the jet flow is characterized by a high radiative e ffi ciency and that the dissipative mechanism must be a powerful accelerator of non-thermal particles. Shocks and magnetic reconnection have long been considered as possible candidates for powering the jet emission. Recent progress via fully-kinetic particle-in-cell simulations allows us to revisit this issue on firm physical grounds. We show that shock models are unlikely to account for the jet emission. In fact, when shocks are effi cient at dissipating energy, they typically do not accelera te particles far beyond the thermal energy, and vice versa. In contrast, we show that magnetic reconnection can deposit more than 50% of the dissipated energy into non-thermal leptons as long as the energy density of the magnetic field in the bulk flow is larger tha n the rest mass energy density. The emitting region, i.e., the reconnection downstream, is characterized by a rough energy equipartition between magnetic fields and radiating partic les, which naturally accounts for a commonly observed property of blazar jets.
Causes of DNA single-strand breaks during reduction of chromate by glutathione in vitro and in cells

Carcinogenic chromates induce DNA single-strand breaks (SSB) that are detectable by conventional alkali-based assays. However, the extent of direct breakage has been uncertain because excision repair and hydrolysis of Cr-DNA adducts at alkaline pH also generate SSB. We examined mechanisms of SSB production during chromate reduction by glutathione (GSH) and assessed the significance of these lesions in cells using genetic approaches. Cr(VI) reduction was biphasic and the formation of SSB occurred exclusively during the slow reaction phase. Catalase or iron chelators completely blocked DNA breakage, as did the use of GSH purified by a modified Chelex procedure. Thus, the direct intermediates of GSH-chromate reactions were unable to cause SSB unless activated by H2O2. SSB repair-deficient XRCC1(-/-) and proficient XRCC1+ EM9 cells had identical survival at doses causing up to 60% clonogenic death and accumulation of 1 mM Cr(VI). However, XRCC1(-/-) cells displayed higher lethality in the more toxic range and the depletion of GSH made them hypersensitive even to moderate doses. Elevation of cellular catalase or GSH levels eliminated survival differences between XRCC1(-/-) and XRCC1+ cells. In summary, formation of toxic SSB in cells occurs at relatively high chromate doses, requires H2O2, and is suppressed by high GSH concentrations.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in asymptomatic outpatients with cirrhotic ascites.

The prevalence and natural history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in asymptomatic patients with ascites secondary to cirrhosis is unknown. From a prospectively recorded database, we reviewed the clinical and laboratory features of all outpatients with cirrhotic ascites undergoing paracentesis between July 1994 and December 2000. The prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the population of 427 cirrhotic outpatients as defined by neutrocytic ascites (absolute neutrophil count ≥250 cells/mm3) was 3.5%. Of the 15 patients with neutrocytic ascites, 6 were culture positive (1.4%) and 9 culture negative (2.1%). Eight other patients (1.9%) had bacterascites. The organisms cultured from ascitic fluid in these asymptomatic patients with culture positive neutrocytic ascites and bacterascites were predominantly gram positive. No patient developed hepatorenal syndrome, and 1-year survival of 67% was better than historical data from hospitalized patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Moreover, patients who did not receive antibiotics for neutrocytic ascites fared no worse than patients who did receive antibiotics. In conclusion, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in outpatients with cirrhotic ascites is less frequent, occurs in patients with less advanced liver disease, and may have a better outcome than its counterpart in hospitalized patients. In addition, the organisms cultured from ascitic fluid in outpatients are predominantly gram positive. A reassessment of diagnostic criteria for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in outpatients may be required. (Hepatology 2003;37:897-901.)
Smoothing Consumption by Smoothing Income: Hours-of-Work Responses to Idiosyncratic Agricultural Shocks in Rural India

While research has demonstrated that farm households in developing economies are able to protect consumption from idiosyncratic crop shocks, little evidence shows how this is achieved. This paper examines the extent to which labor markets allow households to shift labor from farm to off-farm employment, and the extent to which such a shift explains the observed lack of correlation between consumption and idiosyncratic crop shocks. The empirical analysis uses a novel measure of the idiosyncratic crop income shock which utilizes information on start-of-season cropping choices to more accurately estimate household expectations of weather.