cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contextualizing the Past to Guide the Future: Situating Three Critical Theoretical Frameworks for Educational Culture

Background: The engineering education research community has increasingly acknowledged the importance of addressing equity and inclusion. Qualitative research approaches have a unique power to reform classroom practice, create empathy for students, understand context, and point towards new paradigms and solutions. In our work, we have found critical social theories provide useful ways of looking at, critiquing, and reimagining inequitable educational settings. However, many scholars theory in a limited way with theory, treating it as a utilitarian choice rather than requiring deep engagement. Without careful consideration of the situated historical context for a theory’s origin, we can distort its original purpose. Purpose: This paper highlights funds of knowledge, cultural production, and cultural construction as three prominent theoretical frameworks for educational culture. Following the methodological approach of historicizing, we recontextualize the present use of the theoretical frameworks by better understanding their historical context. Scope: We introduce each of the three frameworks and present an account of the history of the origins of the frameworks, emphasizing the context within which the originators found themselves and what problems they saw themselves as addressing. Next, we discuss how it is currently being leveraged in US engineering education or related fields, noting perceived problems or patterns related to the application of theory. Finally, we consider the differences between the past and the present contexts to help guide future use of the framework, noting what lessons we can take away from the past that speak to issues in the present. Conclusion: We compare the nuanced differences between the frameworks and call on readers to make a more careful and less casual choice regarding theory. We also note the importance of considering historicity, situatedness, and reflexivity when deeply engaging with research on educational culture and critical theoretical approaches.
Genome activation in equine in vitro-produced embryos.

Embryonic genome activation is a critical event in embryo development, in which the transcriptional program of the embryo is initiated. The timing and regulation of this process are species-specific. In vitro embryo production is becoming an important clinical and research tool in the horse; however, very little is known about genome activation in this species. The objective of this work was to identify the timing of genome activation, and the transcriptional networks involved, in in vitro-produced horse embryos. RNA-Seq was performed on oocytes and embryos at eight stages of development (MII, zygote, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, morula, blastocyst; n = 6 per stage, 2 from each of 3 mares). Transcription of seven genes was initiated at the 2-cell stage. The first substantial increase in gene expression occurred at the 4-cell stage (minor activation), followed by massive gene upregulation and downregulation at the 8-cell stage (major activation). An increase in intronic nucleotides, indicative of transcription initiation, was also observed at the 4-cell stage. Co-expression network analyses identified groups of genes that appeared to be regulated by common mechanisms. Investigation of hub genes and binding motifs enriched in the promoters of co-expressed genes implicated several transcription factors. This work represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first genomic evaluation of embryonic genome activation in horse embryos.
Active Scattering Cancellation Using a Microstrip Antenna Element

A technique for reducing the scattering (i.e., radar cross section) of a given object in a fixed direction is presented, which makes use of a radiating microstrip patch antenna element. The system is designed so that the radiation from the patch cancels a radar signal reflected from the object in a specified direction at the carrier frequency of the radar signal, and therefore reduces the time-varying radar signal that is scattered from the object in the specified direction for an incident time-varying radar pulse that arrives from a known direction. Applications include spectral coexistence and EMI reduction from radars.
The coloniality of queer theory: The effects of “homonormativity” on transnational Taiwan’s path to equality:

This study extends the “Queer” Asias critique to deconstruct the coloniality of queer theory in transnational Taiwan. Focusing on Duggan’s critique of homonormativity, I used 22-months ethnographic...
Quantification of alternative 3′UTR isoforms from single cell RNA-seq data with scUTRquant

Although half of human genes use alternative polyadenylation (APA) to generate mRNA isoforms that encode the same protein but differ in their 3′UTRs, most single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) pipelines only measure gene expression. Here, we describe an open-access pipeline, called scUTRquant (https://github.com/Mayrlab/scUTRquant), that measures gene and 3′UTR isoform expression from scRNA-seq data obtained from known cell types in any species. scUTRquant-derived gene and 3′UTR transcript counts were validated against standard methods which demonstrated their accuracy. 3′UTR isoform quantification was substantially more reproducible than previous methods. scUTRquant provides an atlas of high-confidence 3′ end cleavage sites at single-nucleotide resolution to allow APA comparison across mouse datasets. Analysis of 120 mouse cell types revealed that during differentiation genes either change their expression or they change their 3′UTR isoform usage. Therefore, we identified thousands of genes with 3′UTR isoform changes that have previously not been implicated in specific biological processes.
The Volitional Theory Revisited

The history of philosophy is replete with changes in fashion and taste. A piece of theoretical furniture which at one time adorns almost every philosophical household is relegated, at a later time, to the attic for unsightly monstrosities. Yet the same piece, the object of ridicule and derision in one generation, can sometimes be refurbished by the next generation, and re-introduced as a modish and handsome doctrine.
Fast bounds on the distribution of smooth numbers

Let P(n) denote the largest prime divisor of n, and let Ψ(x,y) be the number of integers n≤x with P(n)≤y. In this paper we present improvements to Bernstein’s algorithm, which finds rigorous upper and lower bounds for Ψ(x,y). Bernstein’s original algorithm runs in time roughly linear in y. Our first, easy improvement runs in time roughly y2/3. Then, assuming the Riemann Hypothesis, we show how to drastically improve this. In particular, if logy is a fractional power of logx, which is true in applications to factoring and cryptography, then our new algorithm has a running time that is polynomial in logy, and gives bounds as tight as, and often tighter than, Bernstein’s algorithm.
Protein composition and structure of human placental microvillous membrane: External surface, sialic acid containing, extrinsic and intrinsic components☆

Abstract The microvillous membrane of human placenta is in direct contact with maternal blood and thus plays a vital role in many essential functions of the placenta. As an initial step in understanding the membrane proteins, and their relationship to these functions and to the structure of the membrane, we have investigated an isolated membrane preparation. Ten major peptide bands and an approximately equal number of minor bands were seen with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Sialoglycoproteins were labeled with periodate (PA- 3 H) borohydride and external surface components with lactoperoxidase-[ 125 I] (LP- 125 I). One principal (69 000 mol. wt) and several minor (100 000, 45 000, and 38–40 000 mol. wt) bands were labeled as Sialoglycoproteins and found to be exposed on the surface of the membrane. Approx. 50% of the membrane protein and all of the sialic acid was tightly bound to membrane lipid and resistant to extraction with dimethyl maleic anhydride (DMMA). Electron microscopy demonstrated extraction by DMMA of microfilaments presumptively identified as actin and other electron dense components from the villous core. The extracted supernate and the residual pellet differed markedly in protein composition. The supernatant contained bands of 180 000, 115 000, 85 000, 70–72 000, 45 000, and 38–40 000 mol. wt whereas the lipid pellet contained components of 200 000, 150 000, 100 000, 69 000, and 64 000 mol. wt. The lipid matrix with which these proteins were associated contained phosphatidyl choline and sphingomyelin and was similar in composition to other plasma membranes. Thus by using a variety of experimental approaches the proteins of the human placental microvillous membrane can be divided into groups based on their sialic acid content, exposure on the external surface, tightness of binding to the membrane lipid, and relation to membrane structure.
The motivations for loan commitments backing commercial paper: A comment on ‘commercial paper, bank reserve requirements, and the informational role of loan commitments’

Abstract Bank loan commitments backing commercial paper issues (other than credit guarantees) insure against systematic liquidity risk by providing an alternative to rolling over maturing paper. The form of these commitment contracts, the fact that they are issued only by banks, and the determinants of variation across issuers in the extent of commitment backing are consistent with their role as liquidity insurance and not with a recently espoused view that commitments signal firm quality.
Plessy, Brown, and Grutter: A Play in Three Acts

Although people often think of Brown v. Board of Education as a great transformation in the law, it is actually a halfway point between an older conception of equal citizenship and a newer one. The first conception, the tripartite theory, rationalized the new status of blacks in American society following the Civil War. It divided the rights of citizens into three parts - civil, political and social - and held that equal citizenship meant equality of civil rights. The second conception, the model of scrutiny rules, arises during the middle of the twentieth century. It sees the rights of equal citizenship as a series of protections from state power that are, in turn, divided into fundamental rights and suspect classifications. The law of equality is also the law of inequality; it declares what constitutes unequal treatment as a matter of law, and what forms and claims of inequality the law will not recognize as presenting real or remediable problems of inequality. That is because principles of equal citizenship are compromises between contending forces in society. The law of equality enforces that compromise and restates it in principled terms, so that what law enforces is not equality per se, but equality in the eyes of the law. The story of Plessy, Brown, and Grutter shows how principles of equal citizenship were adopted at particular moments in the country's history to effect particular compromises that would be palatable to the most powerful groups in society.
Late rectal complications after prostate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer

This review of the literature on late rectal complications after prostate brachytherapy indicated that it is a highly effective treatment modality for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer but can cause chronic radiation proctitis. The most common manifestation of chronic radiation proctitis was anterior rectal wall bleeding, which often occurred within the first 2 years after brachytherapy. It is interesting to note that the rates of late rectal morbidity appear to have declined over time, which may reflect improvements in implantation techniques and imaging. Rectal biopsy as part of the workup to evaluate rectal bleeding can lead to rectal fistula and the need for colostomy, a rare but major complication. The authors recommend 1) screening colonoscopy before brachytherapy for patients who have not had a screening colonoscopy within the preceding 3 years to rule out colorectal malignancies and, thus, facilitate conservative management should rectal bleeding occur; 2) lifestyle modifications during treatment to limit exposure of the rectum to radiation; and 3) conservative management for rectal bleeding that occurs within 2 years after brachytherapy. Cancer 2009. (c) 2009 American Cancer Society.
Numerical Studies of Solar Influenced Particle Motion near the Triangular Earth-Moon Libration Points

The equations of motion of the restricted problem of four bodies were numerically integrated using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Ephemeris Tapes DE3 to provide the positions of the three primaries, viz., earth, moon, and sun. Using initial conditions for the particle which satisfied the elliptic restricted problem of three bodies (earth, moon, and particle), the numerical results of the restricted problem of four bodies indicate that a particle placed at L 5 on Julian Ephemeris Date 2 439 796.735 will follow a libration-point-centered motion for 2500 days. The envelope of the particle’s motion about L 5 expands and contracts with a period of approximately 650 days. Additional numerical computations indicate that the motion will persist for a period in excess of 5000 days. For the same initial date, a near lunar encounter occurs at 579 days for a particle placed at L 4 with initial conditions satisfying the elliptic restricted problem of three bodies.
Vascular endothelial cells that express dystroglycan are involved in angiogenesis

We have earlier shown that dystroglycan (DG) is a lamininbinding protein and as such is a cell adhesion molecule. DG is a heterodimer of alpha and beta DG subunits. beta-dystroglycan (betaDG) is the membrane spanning subunit, whereas the alpha subunit is bound to the extracellular domain of betaDG. To study physiological function of the protein, we expressed full-length DG (FL-DG) and the cytoplasmic domain of betaDG (deltabetaDG) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAE) and examined their effects on cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and tube formation. FL-DG enhanced adhesion of BAE to laminin-1, whereas deltabetaDG inhibited it. Cell migration was inhibited by overexpressing deltabetaDG in these cells, although it was not affected by FL-DG overexpression. In a proliferation assay, FL-DG decreased the growth rate, and it also caused cells to extensively spread. deltabetaDG caused opposite effects; it increased the growth rate and reduced the cell surface area. In a tube formation assay on Matrigel, FL-DG caused an obvious inhibition, whereas deltabetaDG accelerated tube formation. These results suggest a potential role of endothelial dystroglycan in the control of angiogenesis. Anti-betaDG immunohistochemistry indicated increased expression of DG in vascular endothelial cells within malignant tumors. By contrast, the antibody failed to stain endothelial cells in normal tissues. In cultured BAE, the level of betaDG was low in serum-deprived quiescent cells and was upregulated in proliferating cells. Our results suggest that the expression of DG in endothelial cells is under a dynamic regulation and may play a role in angiogenesis.
Structural similitude for vibration response of laminated cylindrical shells with double curvature

In order to understand the applicability of scaled down models in designing laminated composite structures, an analytical investigation was undertaken to assess the feasibility of their use. Employment of similitude theory to establish similarity among structural systems can save considerable expense and time, provided the proper scaling laws are found and validated. The developed methodology is demonstrated through application of similitude theory to laminated cylindrical shells. Particular emphasis is placed on the case of free vibration of cross-ply laminated cylindrical shells with double curvature. The results presented herein indicate that, for free vibration responses of laminated cylindrical shells of double curvature, based on structural similitude, a set of scaling laws can be found which are used to develop design rules for designing small scale models. This analytical study indicates that distorted models with a different number of layers, geometries and material properties than those of the prototype can predict the behavior of the prototype with good accuracy. However, it is shown that a scaled down model with distorted curvature is incapable of predicting the response of the prototype.
Fresh and cryopreserved venous allografts in genetically characterized dogs.

The autogenous saphenous vein is universally accepted as the conduit of choice for arterial bypass procedures in small vessels. Unfortunately, 2030% [S] of patients do not possess an adequate saphenous vein because of previous vein stripping, thrombophlebitis, or venous anomalies. Abundant laboratory and clinical research to date has failed to produce a uniformly successful prosthetic graft for small vessel application, although modest progress has been made in recent years. Attention has inevitably turned to the possible use of venous allografts in those patients requiring small vessel bypass procedures who do not possess an adequate saphenous vein. Considerable investigative and clinical data have been accumulated on the use of venous allografts in arterial surgery since the beginning of this century. With several isolated exceptions [21, 221, the use of venous allografts in patients has been disappointing to data. Many investigatars, however, feel the venous allograft may have a role in future arterial surgery if the allograft can either be antigenically modified prior to implantation or if the immunologic reactivity of the host can be modified. A recent important paper by Weber ef al. [24] indicated a marked improvement in the function of venous allografts following cryo-
A Remedial Program for Poor Decoders in an Inner-City High School

This pilot study, utilizing 66 tenth-grade Ss who were 4 or more years below grade placement in both oral reading and reading comprehension, was designed to determine whether a treatment combining a taped echoic response method (TERM) and segmented print materials in which polysyllables were spatially divided (SP) would be effective in improving oral reading and comprehension. Gains over a 3-month span of instruction were compared for the TERM-SP group, a group receiving the TERM treatment in non-segmented materials (TERM-NSP) and a control group receiving neither treatment. Gains in oral reading were 8.7, 6.4 and 1.6 months respectively for the TERM-SP, TERM-NSP and control groups. An analysis of covariance indicated that the post-tests scores were significantly different (p <.01). A Tukey method of analyzing contrasts indicated that the TERM-SP scores were significantly greater than control scores (p <.05), while the TERM-NSP scores were not. Post-test scores for total reading comprehension, although th...
Multipoint Anchoring of the (2.2.2.2)Metacyclophane Motif to a Gold Surface via Self-Assembly: Coordination Chemistry of a Cyclic Tetraisocyanide Revisited

A one-pot transformation of bis(2-isocyano-3-methylphenyl)ethane affords gram quantities of 8,16,24,32-tetraisocyano[2.2.2.2]metacyclophane (3). The solid state structure of 3 is remarkably close to the lowest energy conformation found on the potential energy landscape for 3 by DFT. In solution, the structure of metacyclophane 3 is mobile but can be locked in a rectangular gauche−anti−gauche−anti conformation by coordination of the isocyanide substituents to the [W(CO)5] units to give [M]4(μ4-η1:η1:η1:η1-3) (5). The tetranuclear [M]4(μ4-η1:η1:η1:η1-3) motif featured in crystallographically characterized 5 may be present in several insoluble complexes of 3 previously described as mononuclear η4 species. A self-assembled monolayer of metacyclophane 3 is formed upon exposing a solution of 3 to the gold(111) surface with no precautions to exclude air or light. The monolayer nature of the film was confirmed by optical ellipsometry. The isocyanide stretching band for 3 shifts from 2119 cm−1 in solution to 2175 ...
Determination of the effects of graphite material properties on ablation performance.

Application of statistical methods to the problem of identifying those material properties of artificial graphite having the strongest effect on ablation performance. Ablation performance, as determined by total length change during test, recession rate, surface temperature, surface texture, and degree of gouging, was measured on 40 different, commercially available, artificial graphites in a Mach 2 airstream having a nominal enthalpy of 2.2 MJ/kg and a stagnation pressure of 5.6 atm. Eighteen material properties were measured on these same graphites, and correlations between pairs of these material properties were developed where possible, reducing the original 18 properties to ten mutually independent properties. Multiple regression equations were formulated relating ablation performance to the reduced set of ten independent material properties, thereby identifying those material properties having the most pronounced effect on ablation performance. These regression equations reveal that for optimum ablation performance in the present environment, grain size should be small, ash content low, density and thermal conductivity high, and mean pore radius large.
Fiscal Policy after the Great Recession

The Great Recession has severely hit the economies of most of the countries. Given that, fiscal policies have gained back a central role in the debate as a tool to recover from this situation. This paper provides an overview about the main controversial issues related to the fiscal policy. In particular, we analyze the role and the different effects played by discretionary counter-cyclical policies – say, for instance, tax cuts or increased government spending. Disagreement on this topic follows from the fact that it is extremely difficult to isolate the exogenous effect of these policies on GDP. We review several ways in which economists have tried to deal with this problem of estimation. Finally, we discuss why spending-based adjustments are preferable and less likely to be costly than tax-based ones and why large fiscal consolidation accompanied by appropriate policies can be much less costly than what we think.
Fine structure of the spiracular glands in larval Drosophila melanogaster (Meig.) (Diptera : Drosophilidae)

Abstract The spiracular glands in the third-instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera : Drosophilidae) were examined with light and electron microscopy. Three club-shaped, unicellular glands are associated with each spiracle. Each gland has a large nucleus with a well-developed nucleolus and polytene chromosomes. Cytoplasmic features include a prominent plasma membrane reticular system (PMRS), which contains electron-dense material and gives rise to endocytotic vesicles. Numerous lipid droplets, mitochondria, free ribosomes, glycogen, lysosomes, and vesicles are scattered throughout the cytoplasm. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is abundant, but rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes are sparse. Small lipid droplets appear to fuse with one another to form larger droplets. In late third-instar glands, normal mitochondria decrease in number; they appear to degenerate and become converted into dense bodies with finely granular interiors. Several microvillous channels containing lipid are present within the cytoplasm. In the lumina of most of these channels are found the distal tips of cuticular ductules. The cuticular ductules merge with one another dorsally to form the main duct that carries the lipoid secretion to the spiracle cleft. The ultrastructure of the spiracular glands is consistent with their roles in the synthesis of lipoid secretion, which is used to provide hydrophobicity of the surface and to trap small particulate matter.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of the P870+Q−A → P870+Q−B reaction in isolated reaction centers from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

The temperature dependences of the P870+Q−A → P870QA and P870+Q−B → P870QB recombination reactions were measured in reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. The data indicate that the P870+Q−B state decays by thermal repopulation of the P870+Q−A state, followed by recombination. ΔG° for the P870+Q−A → P870+Q−B reaction is −6.89 kJ · mol−1, while ΔH° = −14.45 kJ · mol−1 and −TΔS° = + 7.53 kJ · mol−1. The activation ethalpy, H‡, for the P870+Q−A Δ P870+Q−B reaction is +56.9 kJ · mol−1, while the activation entropy is near zero. The results permit an estimate of the shape of the potential energy curve for the P870+Q−A → P870+Q−B electron transfer reaction.
Synthesis of some members of the hydroxylated phenanthridone subclass of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloid family.

The total synthesis of several members of the hydroxylated phenanthridone subclass of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloid family has been carried out. (±)-Lycoricidine and (±)-7-deoxypancratistatin were assembled through a one-pot Stille/intramolecular Diels−Alder cycloaddition cascade to construct the core skeleton. The initially formed [4 + 2]-cycloadduct undergoes nitrogen-assisted ring opening followed by a deprotonation/reprotonation of the resulting zwitterion to give a rearranged hexahydroindolinone on further heating at 160 °C. The stereochemical outcome of the IMDAF cycloaddition has the side arm of the tethered vinyl group oriented exo with respect to the oxygen bridge. The resulting cycloadduct was used for the stereocontrolled installation of the remaining functionality present in the C-ring of the target molecules. Key features of the synthetic strategy include (1) a lithium hydroxide induced tandem hydrolysis/decarboxylation/elimination sequence to introduce the required π-bond in the C-ring of (±)-...
Preimplantation genetic screening in a case of recurrent trisomy 21 offspring

Objective To describe a unique case of recurrent aneuploidy and the use of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). Design Case report. Setting Midwest academic medical center. Patient(s) A 36-year-old woman with two trisomy 21 offspring. Intervention(s) Preimplantation genetic screening. Main Outcome Measure(s) Karyotype of embryos, liveborn eukaryotic infant. Result(s) Preimplantation genetic screening was performed on three cryopreserved embryos, followed by a two-embryo transfer yielding a eukaryotic infant. Conclusion(s) Preimplantation genetic screening may prove to be useful as a diagnostic tool to help ensure a euploid pregnancy when termination is not a viable option for a couple.
Writing technical reports--In black a white

Discusses the important aspects of composing and writing effective technical reports for business.
Further comment on "Dislocations and melting in two dimensions: The critical region"

An examination of the reduced-temperature range for which the scaling form for the correlation length in the critical region of a two-dimensional phase transition is valid is extended to smaller dislocation (vortex) core energies. There exists a range in which this scaling form is valid for small core energy to transition-temperature ratios. The temperature ranges in which correlation lengths in superfluids have been studied are examined.
Intramolecular vibrational dephasing obeys a power law at intermediate times

Experimental intramolecular vibrational dephasing transients for several large organic molecules are reanalyzed. Fits to the experimental data, as well as full numerical quantum calculations with a factorized potential surface for all active degrees of freedom of fluorene indicate that power law decays, not exponentials, occur at intermediate times. The results support a proposal that power law decays describe vibrational dephasing dynamics in large molecules at intermediate times because of the local nature of energy flow.
Immobilized Gallium(III) Affinity Chromatography of Phosphopeptides

A novel procedure for micropurification of phosphorylated peptides, as a front end to mass spectrometric analysis, is described. As a result of a systematic study, we propose the use of an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) in a microtip (Erdjument-Bromage, H.; et al. J. Chromatogr., A 1998, 826, 167−181) format, more specifically in combination with Ga(III) ions. Manual Ga(III) IMAC is easy to perform; phosphopeptides are retrieved in a near-quantitative and highly selective manner, to yield a concentrated sample for direct analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight and nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Ga(III) ions offer distinct advantages over the use of other metals, such as Fe(III) and Al(III), in terms of both selectivity and versatility, including facile base elution. Selectivity is best illustrated by effective enrichment of phosphopeptides that were present in a molar ratio of ∼2% on a background of unphosphorylated protein, a situation very...
Visual Artists and Imagery

Early scholarly investigations, as well as artists' notebooks, diaries, and personal statements attest to the fact that visual artists use various mental imagery procedures as they make art. Using ...
Toward a geographical theory of hypocritical decision-making

When a community authorizes the development of a controversial project which may produce adverse ecological effects, the decision may be made on the basis of a differing geographical distribution of costs and benefits. Local benefits may exceed local costs while overall costs exceed overall benefits. This paper attempts, through a mathematical theoretical exposition, to show that this situation provides a rational incentive for hypocritical public behavior. Possible solutions are considered. One set of solutions implies return to laissez-fairetype capitalism and the maintenance of a taut, spatial economic system which is sensitive to shock. Another set of solutions implies the development of a socialist economy. Mixed solutions are presented as unstable and tending to environmental deterioration. The mirrorimage problem — of concentrated costs and diffused benefits in the United States, and the State of New Jersey specifically — is also considered, leading to similar conclusions.
Second harmonic generation in ion-exchanged waveguides of semiconductor microcrystallite-doped glasses

Waveguides written in semiconductor microcrystallite-doped glasses using the ion-exchange method have been optically encoded for second harmonic generation of Nd : YAG radiation.
Pseudo-opioid-resistant pain

The purpose of this article is to describe and analyse factors that result in pseudo-opioid-resistant pain. This is defined as a persistent pain experience communicated by the patient or family after prescription and initiation of opioid therapy based on empirically validated criteria. Pseudo-opioid-resistant pain can be caused by inadequate self-care or family care in relation to opioid therapy. Problems can arise in relation to communication of the pain experience, acceptance of the treatment choice and correct opioid administration. These problems may result from misconceptions or knowledge deficit, lack of motivation and lack of performance capabilities. The article systematically analyses the three categories of aetiological factors and arrives at a comprehensive explanatory model. This can be used for research purposes as well as for problem detection in clinical practice. The article includes a case report.
Computerized Equipment Replacement Methodology

The Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) owns and maintains an active fleet inventory of approximately 17,000 units and replaces about 10% of them annually. Any methodology that can improve Texas DOT's replacement procedures could potentially save millions of dollars. Private and public agencies do not routinely use life-cycle cost as a replacement criterion because the only way to automate inspection of thousands of life-cycle cost histories has been to define an acceptability threshold for annualized costs. Most fleet managers consider this practice too inaccurate. The most relevant information provided by a lifecycle cost graph is its trend. Units whose life-cycle costs have been increasing longer or at a faster rate should have higher replacement priority. The trend score concept allows a computer to mimic replacement decisions made by a person visually inspecting a series of life-cycle cost histories. A new economically sound methodology for assisting with equipment replacement at Texas DOT is pr...
MECHANISM OF MIDAZOLAM-INDUCED HYPOTENSION: POSSIBLE ROLE OF PROSTANOIDS AND CA 2+ • 329

Midazolam produces transient hypotension when administered pre-operatively, or to induce sedation. This hypotension appears to be secondary to decreased vascular resistance and vasodilation. The hypothesis that midazolam-induced vasodilation may be mediated in part by the drug's effects on systemic and cerebrovascular prostanoids was tested in 6 newborn piglets (1-3 days old). The piglets were administered a loading dose of 300 ug/kg IV over 15 minutes, followed by a continuous IV infusion of 100 ug/kg/hr for 6 hours. 1.0 ml blood samples from the sagittal sinus vein and carotid artery were collected serially before (0 hr), and during (0.5, 2, 4 & 6 hours) midazolam administration for drug and prostanoid levels. Midazolam and prostanoid levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and enzyme immunoassay kits, respectively. Midazolam infusion induced a 78% reduction in systemic PGE2 levels at 30 minutes (p<0.001 vs baseline) which remained attenuated throughout the study. In contrast, cerebrovascular PGE2 levels increased by 60% at 30 minutes (p<0.01 vs baseline) but returned to baseline values by 2 hours. Systemic 6-ketoPGF1α levels increased markedly (180%, p<0.001 vs baseline) at 30 minutes but returned to baseline values by 2 hours. Systemic TxB2 was significantly reduced at 2 hours (p<0.05 vs baseline) and did not return to baseline values up to 6 hours of infusion(p<0.01 vs baseline). Systemic midazolam levels correlated linearly with systemic 6-ketoPGF1α (r=0.512,p<0.0001) and cerebrovascular Ca2+ (r=0.431,p<0.006) levels. These data suggest that the vasodilatory effect of midazolam may be mediated, at least in part, by vasodilator prostanoids. Increased extracellular cerebrovascular Ca2+ levels with increasing systemic midazolam levels indicate that Ca2+ may also be linked to the midazolam-induced cerebrovascular vasodilatory mechanism(s), in the newborn piglet.
Monte Carlo Analysis of Gamma Scattering in Silicon and Germanium

Calculations have been made of the number and energy spectrum of primary electrons generated in silicon and germanium volumes by incident gamma photons of energy 300 kcV to 3 Mev. Direct calculations were used for small silicon samples, and Monte Carlo methods for larger germanium samples where multiple gamma scattering wqas significant. Primary electron populations generated within silicon by the same exposure dose from cesium-137, cobalt-60, sodium-24 and fission gamma sources are compared. The simulation of primary electron spectra generated within the sample, rather than the incident gamma spectrum is considered as an applied radiation effects technique. The multiple scattering calculations show that as sample volume increases, the density of ionization increases for a fixed gamma exposure, and that the flux of electrons with sufficient energy to cause displacements decreases for a fixed absorbed gamma energy dose.
The "big tent" of community psychology: reactions to Paul Toro's 2004 presidential address

This article summarizes discussions that took place following Paul Toro's presidential address for the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA). Toro argued that community psychology and SCRA are "big tents." He suggested growth through increasing the involvement of ethnic minorities, community practitioners, international colleagues, students and early career professionals and individuals from allied disciplines. Themes in the discussions included: the founding values of community psychology, diversity, and social action. Those present felt that the field was facing a 'mid-life crisis' and needed to re-establish its identity. Newer professionals looked to their seasoned colleagues to help define and establish that identity, and involve them in the process. Respondents were supportive of increased involvement of individuals from oppressed groups and practitioners in SCRA. Less attention was paid to increasing the role of international colleagues, professionals from allied disciplines, and members of the community.
Ovarian Steroid Regulation of Basal Pulsatile Luteinizing Hormone Release between the Mornings of Proestrus and Estrus in the Rat

The aim of this study was to examine the regulation of basal pulsatile LH release by ovarian estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) during the interval between the mornings of proestrus and estrus in the rat estrous cycle. Pulsatile LH release was studied in six groups of rats bled continuously through jugular venous cannulae between 0930–1230 h at a rate of 50 μl whole blood/5 min: 1) bled on proestrus; 2) sham ovariectomy (OVX) at 0900–1000 h on proestrus and bled on estrus; 3–6) OVX at 0900–1000 h on proestrus, implanted with either empty or E2-, P-, or E2- plus P-containing Silastic capsules, and bled 24 h after OVX. In our colony, plasma E2 levels peaked at 1300 h, remained high through 1730 h, and then declined. Plasma P values increased between 1300 and 1730 h, peaked at 2000 h, and were rapidly declining by 2400 h. To reproduce the magnitude as well as the temporal pattern for these changes in plasma E2 and P levels, E2 capsules were inserted at the time of OVX on proestrus and removed at 1830 h. P c...
Controlled release of biologically active compounds from bioerodible polymers

This article reviews the controlled release of biologically active agents by the erosion or chemical degradation of a polymer matrix into which the agent is incorporated. Chemically bound active agents and work on steroid release from cholesterol implants are not covered. The mechanisms of polymer erosion discussed are: cross-linked scission; hydrolysis, ionization or protonation of pendant groups; backbone cleavage. Drug release studies are dealt with under each of these headings.
URBAN FISCAL CRISIS AND POLITICAL CHANGE IN MEXICO CITY: From Global Origins to Local Effects

ABSTRACT: Using Mexico City as a case study, this paper examines the unique problems and constraints that contribute to urban fiscal and political crisis in cities in developing countries. The recent international debt crisis and Mexico's history of dependent development accelerated the fiscal insolvency of Mexico City and limited local capacity to generate new or alternative revenue sources. Metropolitan authorities have limited maneuvering room to address this problem due to limited revenues and to growing urban austerity protests. The paper explores contradictory relationships between urban fiscal and political crisis and links them on the local urban level to the national and international context of dependent development. The paper concludes that urban political reform emerges in the constrained policy space where authorities can agree about Mexico City's future and legitimize their rule at the same time.
A Tale of Three Cities: Labor Markets and Homicide

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship between labor stratification and crime. Using data from the census tracts of Cleveland, Washington, DC, and Seattle, the analysis compares homicide rates and labor market conditions. The analyses show that in all three cities labor market participation has significant influence on levels of homicide. However, the structure of work in each city also appears to have an important effect on the rate at which people do not finish high school. The pattern of these effects differs across cities. In Seattle, the city with what might be called “a twenty-first century industrial structure,” work operates primarily through education to affect murder rates. In Cleveland and Washington there is more of an underclass effect. Homicide rates in Cleveland reflect the presence of underclass communities and an important direct influence of education on crime. Washington's homicide rate is driven in a more substantial way simply by a pervasive underclass.
Fragility Relationships for Populations of Woodframe Structures Based on Inelastic Response

In the absence of comprehensive and statistically viable observational damage data, there is a pressing need for simulation-based fragility relationships for populations of structures so as to improve the reliability of earthquake loss assessment studies. In this article, improved fragility relationships for woodframe structures are developed based on inelastic response. Capacity curves are obtained from detailed finite element models, demand is simulated by synthetically generated earthquake ground motions representing a probable earthquake in the Central USA, and structural assessment is carried out using an advanced capacity spectrum method (CSM) presented elsewhere. Thus, all the required components of fragility analysis—namely, capacity, demand, and structural response—are founded on simulated (analytical) behavior. Building classification of the HAZUS loss assessment software is adopted and both HAZUS-compatible and conventional fragility relationships are derived for two different soil conditions. ...
Diagnosis and prognosis of fetuses with double outlet right ventricle

Objectives To examine the echocardiographic features, associated anomalies, and outcomes of fetuses diagnosed with double outlet right ventricle (DORV). Methods Fetuses with DORV were identified from 987 fetal echocardiograms performed from August 1, 2002 to August 1, 2004. The medical records of 19 fetuses with DORV were reviewed. Results Nineteen fetuses were diagnosed with DORV. The pregnancy was terminated in 15.8% (3/19) of cases. Postnatal assessment was not obtained in 26.3% (5/19) cases. Accurate prenatal diagnosis of the relationship of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) with the great arteries was achieved in 14 of 14 cases (100%). Chromosomal abnormalities (21.4%), abnormalities of body situs (35.7%), and other extracardiac abnormalities were diagnosed in association. Only 4 of 13 (30.8%) infants with confirmed DORV survived beyond 28 days. Conclusions DORV is found in fetuses with a large spectrum of associated cardiac and extracardiac lesions. The overall prognosis for fetuses with DORV is poor throughout the spectrum of these lesions, not only related to the primary lesion but also depending on the associated intra- and extracardiac abnormalities. While the complexity of the heart disease in fetuses with DORV makes detailed fetal diagnosis challenging, it can be accomplished with a high degree of accuracy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of the Amount of Starch in Plant Tissues by ADP Glucose Pyrophosphorylase

Starch, a major storage metabolite in plants, positively affects the agricultural yield of a number of crops. Its biosynthetic reactions use adenosine diphosphate glucose (ADPGlc) as a substrate; ADPGlc pyrophosphorylase, the enzyme involved in ADPGlc formation, is regulated by allosteric effectors. Evidence that this plastidial enzyme catalyzes a rate-limiting reaction in starch biosynthesis was derived by expression in plants of a gene that encodes a regulatory variant of this enzyme. Allosteric regulation was demonstrated to be the major physiological mechanism that controls starch biosynthesis. Thus, plant and bacterial systems for starch and glycogen biosynthesis are similar and distinct from yeast and mammalian systems, wherein glycogen synthase has been demonstrated to be the rate-limiting regulatory step.
Hard meson analysis of photon decays of πo, η and vectormesons

Abstract A simple derivation of the hard meson result that PCAC and CVC forbid π o , η and vector meson two body, photon decays is given. A model of PCAC breakdown which permits these decays is proposed. The modification PCAC is in agreement with the photon decay data and does not disturb the previous successes of PCAC.
Religion vs. Spirituality: A Contemporary Conundrum

In this article the author addresses the current tension between "religion" (usually understood as institutional structure, dogma, and practice) and "spirituality" (usually understood as personal involvement in the growth and development of the self). She suggests that the conflictual or contradictory relation between the two results from a faulty understanding of both and that, properly understood, religious traditions are the normal and healthiest context for genuine spiritualities.
Assessment of the influence of operative factors in the success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in children

Objective To determine if operative factors correlate with success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of hydrocephalus.
Determination of Malonaldehyde by Ultraviolet Spectrophotometrya

SUMMARY Malonaldehyde occurs mainly as the enol form (CHOH = CHCHO) in aqueous solution. The UV absorption spectrum of the compound is pH-de-pendent. Below pH 3.0, the compound is s-cis, planar, having an intramolecular H bond, with absorption maximum at 245 mμ and molar absorptivity (e) = 1.34 × 104. Above pH 7.0, the compound is completely dissociated and the maximum absorption of the enolate anion occurs at 267 mμ with e = 3.18 × 104. The absorbance difference between acidified and basified malonaldehyde solutions at 267 mμ can be used as a measure of malonaldehyde even in the presence of other compounds that absorb in this spectral region, provided their absorption is not pH-dependent. This difference is directly proportional to malonaldehyde concentrations from 5 × 10-6M to 3 × 10-5M. The method has been successfully applied to the assay of malonaldehyde in distillates from rancid foods. Its sensitivity is only about 40% of the 2-thiobarhituric acid (TBA) test, but is sufficient to detect threshold levels of rancidity. The test is simpler, much more rapid, and more specific than the TBA test.
Improving Outcomes in Rehabilitation

This article addresses the issue of measurement in a geriatric rehabilitation program (GRP). The Sisters of Charity of Ottawa Health Service Geriatric Rehabilitation Program was found to have a long length of stay relative to peer programs. Therefore, a number of processes were adopted, over 15 months, to improve outcomes. The results of these interventions produced a net improvement in patient outcome including a threefold increase in rate of patient improvement and a corresponding increase in cost efficiency.