cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Encapsulation and recovery of murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in a thiol-crosslinked maleimide-functionalized gelatin hydrogel

Abstract Biomaterial platforms are an integral part of stem cell biomanufacturing protocols. The collective biophysical, biochemical, and cellular cues of the stem cell niche microenvironment play an important role in regulating stem cell fate decisions. Three-dimensional (3D) culture of stem cells within biomaterials provides a route to present biophysical and biochemical stimuli such as cell-matrix interactions and cell-cell interactions via secreted biomolecules. Herein, we describe a maleimide-functionalized gelatin (GelMAL) hydrogel that can be crosslinked via thiol-Michael addition click reaction for the encapsulation of sensitive stem cell populations. The maleimide functional units along the gelatin backbone enables gelation via the addition of a dithiol crosslinker without requiring external stimuli (e.g., UV light, photoinitiator), reducing reactive oxide species generation. Additionally, the versatility of crosslinker selection enables easy insertion of thiol-containing bioactive or bioinert motifs. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were encapsulated in GelMAL, with mechanical properties tuned to mimic the in vivo bone marrow niche. We report insertion of a cleavable peptide crosslinker that can be degraded by the proteolytic action of SortaseA, a mammalian-inert enzyme. Notably, SortaseA exposure preserves stem cell surface markers, an essential metric of hematopoietic activity used in immunophenotyping. This novel GelMAL system enables a route to producing artificial stem cell niches with tunable biophysical properties with intrinsic cell-interaction motifs and orthogonal addition of bioactive crosslinks.
Multi-point distribution of TASEP.

Recently Johansson and Rahman obtained the limiting multi-time distribution for the discrete polynuclear growth model, which is equivalent to discrete TASEP model with step initial condition. In this paper, we obtain a finite time multi-point distribution formula of continuous TASEP with general initial conditions in the space-time plane. We evaluate the limit of this distribution function when the times go to infinity proportionally for both step and flat initial conditions. These limiting distributions are expected to be universal for all the models in the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang universality class.
The Need for Arts Education and Alternative Assessment in Light of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

THE NEED FOR ARTS EDUCATION AND ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT IN LIGHT OF THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001 By Michelle Ann Labbe, B.A. Studio Art A thesis submitted in partial hlfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005 Major Director: Dr. Pamela G. Taylor, Department Chair, School of Art Education Due to increasing teacher accountability and standardized test score requirements attributed to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, this essay examines research of the positive influences of arts education on student academic achievement and social growth. Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory and brain research, such as that of Eric Jensen, suggest the necessity for various types of instruction and assessment to ensure that all students' learning needs are met; and to maximize the potential for intellectual growth in each student. Harvard University's Project Zero programs: Artful Thinking, Art Works for Schools, and Arts PROPEL are examined. A+ Schools Program (North Carolina), and various schools and school districts around the United States having artsrich curricula and high student academic and social achievement are identified. Community Outreach programs: Chicago Arts Partnership in Education (CAPE),Young Audiences of Indiana, the Pennsylvania Ballet show positive arts influence outside of the traditional classroom setting. Research by James S. Catterall, J. Burton, R. Horowitz, and H. Abeles on the question of learning transfer taking place across the disciplines is also examined.
Scale and the representation of human agency in the modeling of agroecosystems

Human agency is a critical determinant of the dynamics of agroecosystems. However, the manner in which agency is represented within different approaches to agroecosystem modeling is largely contingent on the scales of analysis and the conceptualization of the system of interest. While appropriate at times, narrow conceptualizations of agroecosystems can preclude consideration for how agency manifests at different scales, thereby marginalizing processes, feedbacks, and constraints that would otherwise affect model results. Modifications to the existing modeling toolkit may therefore enable more holistic representations of human agency. Model integration can assist with the development of multi-scale agroecosystem modeling frameworks that capture different aspects of agency. In addition, expanding the use of socioeconomic scenarios and stakeholder participation can assist in explicitly defining context-dependent elements of scale and agency. Such approaches, however, should be accompanied by greater recognition of the meta agency of model users and the need for more critical evaluation of model selection and application.
Inhibitory reflexive effect of rectal distension on postprandial gastric myoelectrical activity.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of low-volume rectal distension on gastric myoelectrical activity. The study was performed in 14 healthy volunteers in 2 randomized sessions. In the control session, a small balloon was inserted into the rectum 10 cm beyond the anal verge and inflated with 20 ml of air. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded for 30 minutes in the fasting state and 30 minutes after a meal; and then the balloon was deflated and removed, and another 30-min recording was followed. The study session was the same except that after the 30-min baseline recording the balloon was inflated to reach a volume with which the subject felt an urgency for defecation. Spectral analyses were performed to compute the dominant frequency, power, and regularity (2–4 cycles/minutes, cpm) of the gastric slow waves and the percentage of gastric dysrhythmia. Results: 1). In comparison with our previously published data, the placement of the rectal balloon with a volume of 20 ml air did not affect the regularity of the slow waves (84.2 ± 3.6% in fasting, 85.3 ± 4.3% in fed); In comparison with the control session, the rectal distension inducing an urgency for defecation (average volume of air: 72.5 ml) significantly reduced the regularity of gastric slow waves in the fed state (72.0 ± 5.7%, P < 0.03 vs baseline; P < 0.02, vs control session) but not in the fasting state (80.1 ± 4.5%, P = 0.1). This postprandial change was attributed to a significant increase in bradygastria (3.1 ± 1.0% vs 7.9 ± 2.6%, P < 0.04) and a marginal increase in tachygastria (7.4 ± 2.5% vs 15.8 ± 4.3%, P = 0.06). The normal postprandial increases in the dominant frequency and power of the gastric slow wave were abolished in both sessions. conclusions, rectal distension evoking an urgency for defecation impairs postprandial gastric slow waves with an increase in the percentage of both bradygastria and tachygastria.
HEAT TRANSFER FOR SUBCOOLED FLOW BOILING IN HYPERVAPOTRON CONFIGURATION

This work reports on experimental studies that examine subcooled boiling on the enhanced heat transfer surface of hypervapotron structures. The use of simulant fluid (refrigerant R134a) instead of prototypic water allows examination of a full range of subcooled boiling, including up to critical heat flux (CHF). The experimental results are compared to Bjorge's model and Kandlikar's heat transfer correlation in the subcooled boiling region. It is found that the fully developed boiling curve has a slope relation of∼2.96(q" ∼ ΔT 2.96 sat ), which shows good agreement with Bjorge's correlation for flat surface channels. In addition, Kandlikar's correlation is also able to predict the heat transfer coefficient for the range from net vapor generation to the fully developed boiling region with acceptable accuracy. However, the heat transfer curve shows a significant deviation when subcooled boiling approaches CHF.
Effects of Mental Practice on Selected Volleyball Skills for College Women

Abstract Three substudies were conducted to determine the effects of mental practice on improvement in serving and volleying skills in volleyball. The first substudy (10 subjects) compared mental practice (3 min. daily for each skill for 2 weeks) with no practice. The other substudies compared 3 min. and 1 min. of daily mental practice on each skill in addition to equal time for physical practice. The experimental periods were for 5 weeks (68 subjects) and 3 weeks (36 subjects). No statistically significant results were obtained for the volleying skill; however, the first two studies yielded significant results for the serving skill. Mental practice produced better results (P < .025) than did no practice, and 3 min. of mental practice was superior (P < .05) to 1 min. In conjunction with the last substudy, two additional areas were investigated. A questionnaire was administered concerning the mental practice periods, and electromyographic records were obtained from 19 subjects to investigate intrinsic musc...
Paradoxes and semantic representation

Many researchers in Computer Science, Linguistics, Logic, and Philosophy have been discovering in various ways that analogues of the Liar paradox pose deep foundational problems for intensional semantics. In this survey paper I state my own view of what the problems are, and try to provide a broad perspective on the issues, with many references to the literature. Although the paper concentrates on developments in Philosophical Logic, I hope that the paper will help all researchers concerned with these problems to locate their concerns in a broad, interdisciplinary framework.
Deliberative Dialogue and the Development of Democratic Dispositions

This chapter discusses how college students can develop democratic dispositions and a civic identity through learning how to engage in deliberative dialogue on public issues.
Asymmetric half-plane planar least-squares inverses

In this paper we present a procedure to obtain two-dimensional (2-D) Planar Least-Squares Inverses (PLSIs) in the general form of asymmetric half-plane (AHP) filters, and which are bounded input output (BIBO) stable in most cases. These PLSIs are obtained by transforming the problem into a one-dimensional PLSI problem using the slice projection theorem, solving it by means of the Levinson's algorithm and transforming the solution back into an AHP filter. The procedure guarantees a good matching of the autocorrelation data and the BIBO stability of the filter in most cases. We discuss the application of this procedure to the stabilization of 2-D recursive filters and provide examples illustrating this application.
Defibrotide mediated inhibition of serotonin, endothelin-I, thromboxane, and serum induced contraction of canine femoral and pulmonary arterial rings.

Defibrotide is a polydeoxyribonucleotide derived agent with a weight average of 15 to 18 kDa. By virtue of its chemical nature, this polyelectrolyte agent exerts multiple pharmacologic actions at various plasmatic and cellular sites. In recent studies, this agent has been demonstrated to exhibit cardioprotective and vasomodulatory actions. To test the effect of defibrotide on the vascular smooth muscle contractile responses, its effects were evaluated on contractile response induced by agonists in canine femoral and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle preparation. These arterial preparations were harvested from anesthetized and anticoagulated (Heparinized 3-5 U/ml) dogs. Defibrotide was administered to dogs at 10 mg/kg, i.v. and segments of canine arteries were harvested at 30 minutes after the administration of this agent. The control and defibrotide treated canine arterial ring preparations were tested against serotonin, endothelin-I, serum and control platelet rich plasma(PRP) with arachidonic acid(AA). The contractile response of arterial rings obtained for treated groups were measured using serotonin, endothelin-I, serum and PRP/AA as agonists. The contractile action of serotonin, endothelin-I, serum and PRP/AA were inhibited by pretreatment of the animal with defibrotide. The arterial ring isolated from dogs treated with defibrotide exhibited a weaker contraction. These studies support the hypothesis that defibrotide modulates endothelial function and the response to the contractile actions of various agonists may be related to this effect.
Satellite-Based Model Parameterization of Diabatic Heating

Future meteorological satellites are expected to provide much needed fine-scale information that can improve the accuracy of weather and climate models. As one application of this improved capability, we introduce the concept of a generalized parameterization framework using satellite datasets that will increase the accuracy and the computational efficiency of weather and climate modeling. In an atmospheric model, several different parameterizations usually are used to reproduce the various physical processes. However, it is generally unrealistic to separate the processes in this artificial way since the observations and physics make no such artificial separation. Thus, we propose a new unified parameterization framework to remove the unrealistic separation between parameterizations.
Near-drowning-associated Aeromonas pneumonia

Abstract Aeromonas is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen that causes a variety of different infections. Aeromonas has rarely been reported as a cause of respiratory infection, and it has been described in near-drowning-associated pneumonia. This article reviews a case of Aeromonas sobria pneumonia associated with a near drowning and considers the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 10 previously reported cases. Nearly all of the cases involved young healthy men, a rapid development of pneumonia and sepsis after a brief stable period postimmersion, and bilateral infiltrates on chest radiography. A very high rate of positive blood cultures and mortality was also noted. The epidemiological and clinical data in this review may be helpful to the clinician caring for near-drowning victims. Although prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended for neardrowning victims, broad-spectrum antibiotics should be rapidly instituted with any evidence of infection.
Initial Response of the Heart-Rate of A Gastropod, Acmaea Limatula, to Abrupt Changes in Temperature

Initial Response of the Heart-Rate of A Gastropod, Acmaea Limatula, to Abrupt Changes in Temperature
Understanding and Managing Experiential Aspects of Soundscapes at Muir Woods National Monument

Research has found that human-caused noise can detract from the quality of the visitor experience in national parks and related areas. Moreover, impacts to the visitor experience can be managed by formulating indicators and standards of quality as suggested in park and outdoor recreation management frameworks, such as Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP), as developed by the U.S. National Park Service. The research reported in this article supports the formulation of indicators and standards of quality for human-caused noise at Muir Woods National Monument, California. Phase I identified potential indicators of quality for the soundscape of Muir Woods. A visitor “listening exercise” was conducted, where respondents identified natural and human-caused sounds heard in the park and rated the degree to which each sound was “pleasing” or “annoying.” Certain visitor-caused sounds such as groups talking were heard by most respondents and were rated as annoying, suggesting that these sounds may be a good indicator of quality. Loud groups were heard by few people but were rated as highly annoying, whereas wind and water were heard by most visitors and were rated as highly pleasing. Phase II measured standards of quality for visitor-caused noise. Visitors were presented with a series of 30-second audio clips representing increasing amounts of visitor-caused sound in the park. Respondents were asked to rate the acceptability of each audio clip on a survey. Findings suggest a threshold at which visitor-caused sound is judged to be unacceptable, and is therefore considered as noise. A parallel program of sound monitoring in the park found that current levels of visitor-caused sound sometimes violate this threshold. Study findings provide an empirical basis to help formulate noise-related indicators and standards of quality in parks and related areas.
Theater for the 21st Century and beyond: The New Digital Stagecraft.

The Virtual Theatricality Lab uses media innovations such as digital video, stereoscopic 3D projection, motion capture, and real time virtual reality navigation. These resources nurture the daring creative visions of theater artists who will embrace the multidimensional technological performance arena of the 21st century and beyond.
Respiratory impairment in workers exposed to "safe" levels of toluene diisocyanate (TDI).

Workers in a factory producing polyurethane foam have been studied at six-month intervals for a period of 18 months. On each of the four surveys the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was determined on Monday morning and afternoon. The concentration of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in air did not exceed 0.014 ppm on any occasion (multiple samples during each survey in all parts of the factory were taken). The exposed workers had reduction of ventilatory capacity at the afternoon measurement; the acute changes were not reversed overnight; cumulative changes exceeding those associated with aging occurred in these workers over 6, 12, and 18 months; symptomatic workers showed a greater response to TDI than asymptomatic ones; and a substantial positive correlation existed between the acute and cumulative changes in FEV1.
Oil Spillage and Damage Costs: U.S. Inland Waterway Tank Barge Accidents

This study investigates determinants of the oil spillage, vessel damage, and other-property damage costs of U.S. inland waterway tank barge accidents and their relationships. The tobit estimation of a three-equation recursive model suggests that type of accident, cause of accident, operating conditions, vessel characteristics, and regulation are determinants. Collision accidents incur the largest oil spillage and vessel damage costs, whereas fire/explosion accidents incur the largest other-property damage costs. A dollar of vessel damage cost increases other-property damage cost by $0.51, whereas a dollar of oil spillage increases this cost by $9.13. An important result for formulating tank barge accident cost-reduction policies is that a given determinant might cause an increase in one damage cost but reduce another.
Community pharmacists, medication monitoring, and the routine nature of refills: A qualitative study

Objective To describe the attitudes, contextual factors, and behaviors associated with medication monitoring in the dispensing process by community pharmacists. Design Descriptive qualitative research with semistructured interviews. Setting Midwestern community pharmacies or telephone. Participants 12 licensed community pharmacists from chain, independent, and grocery pharmacies. Intervention 45-minute, semistructured interviews were conducted to gather detailed live experiences and perspectives pertinent to the study objective. Main outcome measures Transcripts were coded descriptively and interpretively, originating with the input and monitoring process domains of the Health Collaboration Model. Results A thematic dichotomy was interpreted in the analysis. All participants discussed both (1) the technical and routine nature of their work, and (2) the problem-solving and relational aspects of practice. More specifically, medication monitoring was constrained by busyness, lack of patient interest, and the routine nature of refills, although to varying extents. Some predominantly responded to unique circumstances such as patient question-asking, prior memory of a patient interaction or service utilization, or technical issues such as medication cost. Others added unprompted questions of varying specificity when handing off the prescription to understand patient medication experiences. Pharmacists felt challenged by nonadherence monitoring because workflows made this information difficult to access and late refills were prevalent. Conclusion Community pharmacies seeking to increase medication monitoring in the dispensing process may target the routine nature of refills and the availability of monitoring information.
A micro computer based information system for administering an academic program

Abstract This article describes an information system designed to be used with a micro computer to administer a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Program. This automated system provides timely and accurate information with which to counsel students and to adminster the program. The authors describe the file design, processing requirements and the system programs which allow for file inquiry, file update, and reporting. The system is managed by the MBA program office and is independent of the university computing system.
Patient-reported receipt of and interest in smoking-cessation interventions after a diagnosis of cancer.

Background Smoking cessation is essential after the diagnosis of cancer to enhance clinical outcomes. Although effective smoking cessation treatments are available, less than one-half of smokers with cancer report receiving treatment. Reasons for the low dissemination in treatment are unclear.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) Activity Is Associated with Phosphorylation of Raptor by mTOR

mTORC1 contains multiple proteins and plays a central role in cell growth and metabolism. Raptor (regulatory-associated protein of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)), a constitutively binding protein of mTORC1, is essential for mTORC1 activity and critical for the regulation of mTORC1 activity in response to insulin signaling and nutrient and energy sufficiency. Herein we demonstrate that mTOR phosphorylates raptor in vitro and in vivo. The phosphorylated residues were identified by using phosphopeptide mapping and mutagenesis. The phosphorylation of raptor is stimulated by insulin and inhibited by rapamycin. Importantly, the site-directed mutation of raptor at one phosphorylation site, Ser863, reduced mTORC1 activity both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the Ser863 mutant prevented small GTP-binding protein Rheb from enhancing the phosphorylation of S6 kinase (S6K) in cells. Therefore, our findings indicate that mTOR-mediated raptor phosphorylation plays an important role on activation of mTORC1.
Do locals perform better than foreigners?: An analysis of UK and US mutual fund managers

Abstract We hypothesize that local knowledge and contacts lead to superior returns for local mutual fund managers relative to foreign managers. To test this hypothesis, we study the performance of mutual funds in two countries: the US and UK. We examine the effectiveness of UK open end fund managers (foreigners) investing in the US relative to US open end fund managers (locals) investing in the US. Controlling for differential tax treatment, fund expenses, fund objectives, and currency risk, we find that UK mutual funds investing in the US perform worse than US domestic funds. We conclude that information/relationship disadvantages and fund size contribute to this poor performance.
Collisional relaxation in an extended-pulse photon echo: Weak-field limit.

Abstract : The effect of velocity-changing collisions in an extended-pulse photon echo is studied. In an extended-pulse photon, the second excitation pulse has a duration comparable with the relaxation time of an atomic system. An analytic solution of the quantum-mechanical transport equation is presented in the perturbation-theory limit and applied to the extended-pulse photon echo. It is found that the decay rate of the echo signal due to velocity-changing collisions is significantly modified by the variation of the second pulse's duration. The results are compared with those of conventional theories of two- and three-pulse echoes using temporally narrow excitation pulses. A physical interpretation of the results is given using both time- and frequency-domain arguments. Reprints. (JHD)
Bioenergetic relations in submerged aquatic vegetation: an experimental test of prey use by juvenile bluegills

— We experimentally tested the hypotheses that bluegills in vegetated habitats grow more rapidly than in nonvegetated habitats because (1) vegetated habitats contain a greater caloric density and (2) are less susceptible to energetic depletion. The 10-week experiment was conducted in enclosures containing factorial combinations of the presence or absence of Vallisneria americana and juvenile bluegills Lepomis macrochirus. After 6 weeks, Vallisneria-only treatments contained a mean of 1048 cal/m2 in the benthos, whereas treatments with both Vallisneria and bluegills contained 610 cal/m2. Hyalella azteca, a preferred prey of bluegill, were nearly depleted in nonvegetated enclosures, whereas Hyalella densities in enclosures with Vallisneria were much less effected by fish. Bluegill growth was significantly greater with Vallisneria than without but declining water temperatures after week 6 resulted in slower growth despite abundant prey. Ultimately, growth of bluegill resulted from an interaction between availability and ingestion of prey, and water temperature.
Startup Circuit Training Program Reduces Metabolic Risk in Latino Adolescents

Purpose: This study aimed to test the effects of a circuit training (CT; aerobic + strength training) program, with and without motivational interviewing (MI) behavioral therapy, on reducing adiposity and type 2 diabetes risk factors in Latina teenagers. Methods: Thirty-eight Latina adolescents (15.8 ± 1.1 yr) who are overweight/obese were randomly assigned to control (C; n = 12), CT (n = 14), or CT + MI (n = 12). The CT classes were held twice a week (60-90 min) for 16 wk. The CT + MI group also received individual or group MI sessions every other week. The following were measured before and after intervention: strength by one-repetition maximum; cardiorespiratory fitness (V?O2max) by submaximal treadmill test; physical activity by accelerometry; dietary intake by records; height, weight, waist circumference; total body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and hepatic fat fraction by magnetic resonance imaging; and glucose/insulin indices by fasting blood draw. Across-intervention group effects were tested using repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc pairwise comparisons. Results: CT and CT + MI participants, compared with controls, significantly increased fitness (+16% and +15% vs -6%, P = 0.03) and leg press (+40% vs +20%, P = 0.007). Compared with controls, CT participants also decreased waist circumference (-3% vs +3%; P < 0.001), subcutaneous adipose tissue (-10% vs 8%, P = 0.04), visceral adipose tissue (-10% vs +6%, P = 0.05), fasting insulin (-24% vs +6%, P = 0.03), and insulin resistance (-21% vs -4%, P = 0.05). Conclusions: CT may be an effective starter program to reduce fat depots and improve insulin resistance in Latino youth who are overweight/obese, whereas the additional MI therapy showed no additive effect on these health outcomes
In situ microscopic analysis of asbestos and synthetic vitreous fibers retained in hamster lungs following inhalation.

Hamsters breathed, nose-only, for 13 weeks, 5 days/week, 6 hr/day, either man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF)10a, MMVF33, or long amosite asbestos at approximately 300 World Health Organization (WHO) fi...
Cultures of categories: Psychological diagnoses as institutional and political projects before and after the transition from state socialism in 1989 in East Germany.

ABSTRACT How can psychological categories be understood as historical, political, and cultural artifacts? How are such categories maintained by individuals, organizations, and governments? How do macrosocietal changes—such as the transition from state socialism in East Germany in 1989—correlate with changes in the social and organizational structures that maintain psychological categories? This essay focuses on how—pre‐1989—the category of neurosis (as a mental disorder) became entwined with East Germany’s grand socialist project of creating new socialist personalities, a new society, and a new science and on how diagnostic preferences were adapted, modified, and extended by local cultural and institutional practices. It also examines how post‐1989 the category of neurosis became redefined in accord with a for‐merly West German psychotherapeutic paradigm and was eventually obliterated by the bureaucratic health care system of the new Germany. East German practitioners adopted new therapeutic guidelines an...
A randomized, double-blinded trial of preemptive analgesia in laparoscopy

Abstract Objective: We tested the hypothesis that local anesthetic administered before skin incision, an example of preemptive analgesia, reduces postoperative pain for women undergoing laparoscopy, as compared with postincisional local anesthetic or placebo. Methods: Patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy were randomized to one of three blinded treatment groups. Treatment group A patients received local infiltration of 0.5% bupivacaine at the surgical site before incision and a saline placebo infiltration before incision closure. Treatment group B received the saline placebo before skin incision and bupivacaine after laparoscopy but before closure of the skin incisions. For treatment group C patients, saline was infiltrated as a placebo before and after laparoscopy. All patients underwent a standardized general anesthetic induction and maintenance. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the modified McGill Present Pain Intensity scale. Pain and supplementary analgesic use was compared among the three treatment groups. Results: A total of 57 patients completed the study for analysis. Age, weight, height, race, indication, and operating time did not vary significantly between the three groups. By 24 hours after surgery, patients in treatment group A reported significantly lower pain scores (McGill Present Pain Intensity Scale: 0.5 ± 0.9) than either treatment group B (1.6 ± 1.3) or C (1.3 ± 1.2). Group A patients also could tolerate a significantly longer time delay to their first analgesic medication than patients who received postincisional bupivacaine or than control patients who received no bupivacaine. Conclusion: The preemptive administration of bupivacaine before laparoscopy results in decreased postoperative pain and should allow a more rapid return to normal activities. The popular practice of infiltrating bupivacaine at time of incision closure does not offer any benefit in the control of pain after laparoscopy.
(Re)Presenting Place: Some Experimental Art Projects

“Sense of place” runs deep: we "know" we are "here." Representing place presents both technical and artistic challenges. Several such art and technology experiments will be presented, exploring aspects of panoramics, stereopsis, and sensory immersion.
Optimal Door Fitting with Systematic Fixture Adjustment

A systematic approach is presented to obtain the best door gap quality through optimal door fitting in automobile body manufacturing. First, three indexes of gap quality are defined; they are: (1) door gap width deviation relative to design nominal; (2) door gap parallelism; and (3) car-to-car gap consistency. Then the door-fitting problem is formulated into a general constrained optimization problem. The effects of optimal door fitting on the three quality indexes are evaluated through computer simulation. These results provide a lower bound on the design of nominal door gap by considering process capability. Finally, a computer-aided fixture adjustment scheme is developed to orient a door in a body side opening to achieve the optimal fitting. The amount of adjustment, with the desired orientation obtained from optimization, is calculated based on parametrically modeled local surface features of the fixture and the door. The adequacy of door feature modeling is verified through a door-fitting experiment.
High-dose intra-arterial verapamil for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage: prolonged effects on hemodynamic parameters and brain metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Studies attempting to establish the safety and efficacy of standard and high-dose intra-arterial infusions of calcium channel blockers for treatment of cerebral vasospasm have focused on hemodynamic changes during the angiographic procedure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate longer-term drug effects over the hours following infusion and the effects on brain tissue oxygen tension or cerebral metabolism. METHODS: We studied 11 patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages who underwent multimodality brain monitoring and angiography with infusion of high-dose intra-arterial verapamil (≥15 mg total dose). Hourly intracerebral microdialysis measurements and continuously recorded mean arterial pressure (MAP), intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and Pbto 2 were analyzed for 6 hours before and 12 hours following treatment. RESULTS: A median dose of 23 mg (range, 15-55 mg) of intra-arterial verapamil was given. Compared with baseline values, reductions in CPP and MAP were maximal at 3 hours postangiography (from 105 ± 13 mm Hg to 95 ± 15 mm Hg and from 116 ± 12 mm Hg to 106 ± 16 mm Hg, P < .01) and persisted for up to 6 hours (P < .04); increases in vasopressor therapy were required in 8 procedures (53%). ICP significantly increased during the first 3 hours post angiography (P < .03). Brain glucose increased by 33% by hour 9 (P < .001). There were no significant changes in Pbto 2 or the lactate/ pyruvate ratio. CONCLUSION: High-dose intra-arterial verapamil causes increases in ICP and reductions in CPP, followed by an increase in brain glucose levels, without altering brain oxygen tension or oxidative metabolism. Patients undergoing high-dose intra-arterial verapamil therapy warrant close hemodynamic and ICP monitoring for at least 12 hours following treatment.
Fiscal discipline and the choice of a nominal anchor in stabilization

Abstract The conventional wisdom is that exchange rate-based stabilizations induce more fiscal discipline than money-based programs. The Latin American experience does not support this view. Among the major stabilization programs implemented since 1960, the mean increase in the primary balance-to-GDP ratio was 3.2 percentage points under money-based programs, as opposed to only 0.2 percentage points under exchange rate-based programs. We present a model – where fiscal policy is set by an optimizing but non-benevolent government – that replicates this stylized fact. If the policy maker is impatient, a money-based stabilization provides more discipline, and higher welfare for the representative agent, than does an exchange rate-based stabilization.
Paid placement strategies for internet search engines

Internet search engines and comparison shopping have recently begun implementing a paid placement strategy, where some content providers are given prominent positioning in return for a placement fee. This bias generates placement revenues but creates a disutility to users, thus reducing user-based revenues. We formulate the search engine design problem as a tradeoff between these two types of revenues. We demonstrate that the optimal placement strategy depends on the relative benefits (to providers) and disutilities (to users) of paid placement. We compute the optimal placement fee, characterize the optimal bias level, and analyze sensitivity of the placement strategy to various factors. In the optimal paid placement strategy, the placement revenues are set below the monopoly level due to its negative impact on advertising revenues. An increase in the search engine's quality of service allows it to improve profits from paid placement, moving it closer to the ideal. However, an increase in the value-per-user motivates the gatekeeper to increase market share by reducing further its reliance on paid placement and fraction of paying providers.
Evidence for free radical involvement in the hydroxylation of proline: inhibition by nitro blue tetrazolium.

The enzyme, protocollagen proline hydroxylase (PPH), hydroxylates specific proline residues in the collagen sequence to hydroxyproline in the presence of molecular 02, ascorbate and Fe2+ [ 1, 21. There is an absolute requirement for cr-ketoglutarate which undergoes oxidative decarboxylation in stoichio metric proportions to the hydroxyproline formed [3]. The role of Fe2+ and ascorbate in this reaction has not been adequately described. We have recently reported that the Fe2+ activates the enzyme by binding to the apoprotein [4, 51. We describe here, an inhibition of proline hydroxylation by the dye, nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) which undergoes rapid reduction by scavenging free radicals. The inhibition by NBT is competitive with respect to the enzyme, suggesting that free radicals are involved in the hydroxylation of proline, probably in the reduction of the ferri-enzyme to ferro-enzyme.
Changes in clinical measures of autonomic nervous system function related to cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea

Individual cancer patients differ in their nausea/vomiting response to chemotherapy. It is not known why patients receiving the same chemotherapy have different severity of side effects. Several lines of research implicate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the development of chemotherapy-induced nausea. We examined the association between autonomic reactivity and the level of nausea experienced following chemotherapy in 20 patients with ovarian cancer treated with cisplatin or carboplatin who received the same antiemetic. We applied eight common non-invasive clinical tests of autonomic function prior to inpatient chemotherapy treatment, 2 h after treatment and again 24 h following treatment. Two hours after chemotherapy and before any nausea was reported by the patients, the nine patients who subsequently experienced high levels of nausea had a greater overall percentage of abnormal clinical ANS tests than the 11 patients who subsequently developed low levels of nausea (P<0.01). Twenty-four hours after treatment, the overall number of abnormal autonomic tests remained non-significantly higher than at the pretreatment baseline for the high nausea group. Demographic and clinical characteristics were not related to chemotherapy-induced nausea in this sample. Autonomic reactivity appears to be related to the development of nausea following chemotherapy. Further investigation of ANS involvement in chemotherapy-induced nausea could increase understanding of nausea etiology and potentially lead to the prediction of susceptible patients.
Development and Application of Computer Simulation Tools for Ecological Risk Assessment

Based on a review of available models for ecological risk estimation, most are site-specific and their applications are limited. However, general models, which can be easily adapted to other sites, remain few, in addition, they are simple and associated with significant uncertainties. In this paper, an approach is introduced for an ecological risk assessment (ERA) model that can be modified for site-specific conditions. Using computer simulation as a screening tool for ecological risk assessment can assist environmental managers and policy decision-makers in the planning and implementation of potentially highly focused assessments and remediation, should the ERA dictate the need. The model was integrated with a Windows-based interface and interactive database management system (DBMS) as a user-friendly software package. In addition, based on trophic sources, a food web has been integrated into the framework of the DBMS. In an effort to evaluate the model, a case study was implemented to characterize the effects on an ecosystem of replacing electroplated chromium coatings with sputtered tantalum at U.S. Army Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Potential exposure pathways included ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption for terrestrial animals; root and foliar uptake for plants; and direct absorption for aquatic species. Overall, results showed that the most significant exposure resulted from molybdenum and hexavalent chromium, which posed higher risks to select aquatic and terrestrial species at both sites. On the other hand, tantalum (with vanadium as the surrogate) resulted in the least risk to all receptors within the studied areas. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated that soil-water distribution coefficients have a significant impact on the results. Based on the results, neither molybdenum nor chromium are recommended as a coating in gun barrels, and further study would be essential to address any affected firing range area. Tantalum is recommended for use, although for those species receiving a slight adverse risk, field investigations that include receptor sampling maybe necessary once soil/sediment and water sampling validates projected concentrations.
The Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the anatomophysiological unit that interfaces between the blood and the brain. It is composed of brain vascular endothelial cells and their surrounding astrocytes and pericytes. These cells interface with neurons to form a functional unit that regulates blood flow in the brain and the traffic of substances between blood and brain parenchyma. The proper function of the BBB requires specialized roles for each of the cell types that compose it; thus, the endothelial cells form a proper biological barrier by expressing tight junctions (TJ) that seal the intercellular space while forming paracellular ion pores. The expression of TJ brings an additional benefit to the endothelial cells as they are determinants of membrane polarization; the resulting cell polarity is crucial for the proper expression of membrane transporters and ion channels responsible for the transcellular exchange of substances across the endothelium. The physiological properties of endothelial cells, however, are regulated by their interaction with astrocytes and pericytes that in turn interact with each other and nearby neurons. This chapter explores the cellular structure of the blood-brain barrier and provides an introduction to the molecular characteristics of tight junctions and electrophysiological properties of the brain vascular endothelium.
Self-assembled cellular microarrays patterned using DNA barcodes

The successful integration of living cells into synthetic devices requires precise control over cell patterning. Here we describe a versatile platform that can accomplish this goal through DNA hybridization. Living cells functionalized with exogenous cell-surface DNA strands bind to cognate sequences of DNA printed on glass slides. Attachment via these "cell-adhesion barcodes" is rapid and specific, with close-packed arrays of cells forming within minutes. The biophysical properties of the system are characterized, and the technique is used to form complex cellular patterns with single-cell line widths and self-assembled cellular microarrays. Key advantages of DNA-directed cell binding include the ability to immobilize both adherent and non-adherent cells, to capture cells selectively from a mixed population, to tune the binding properties of the cells, and to reuse substrates prepared with widely available DNA printing technologies.
Cyclic isomers of singlet Si4H4 related to tetrasilacyclobutadiene

Ab initio molecular electronic structure theory has been used to investigate four-membered-ring structures (SiH)4 on the Si4H4 singlet potential energy surface. In contrast to the C4H4 system, three cyclic structures (all non-planar) are predicted to be minima at the double-zeta plus polarization (DZP) self-consistent-field (SCF) level of theory. With inclusion of electron correlation through the configuration interaction (CI) method the lowest-energy isomer is found to be a D2d puckered ring structure with four equal SiSi bond lengths and an axial arrangement of the hydrogen atoms. This structure is predicted to lie 28 kcal mol−1 below the previously. reported tetrasilatetrahedrane.
The Influence of Computer-Mediated Communication Apprehension on Motives for Facebook Use

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of computer-mediated communication apprehension on motives for using the interactive features on Facebook. An online survey was completed by 417 undergraduate students. Guided by uses and gratifications theory, communication apprehension in a computer-mediated context was found to be inversely related to interpersonal, self-expression, entertainment, and passing time motives for using Facebook. This study also investigated how Facebook motives predict the use of its interactive features. Interpersonal communication, self-expression, and entertainment motives all significantly predicted use of interactive features on Facebook.
Estimating Rainfall in the Tropics Using the Fractional Time Raining.

The relationship between the fractional time raining and tropical rainfall amount is investigated using raingage data and a point process model of tropical rainfall. Both the strength and the nature of the relationship are dependent upon the resolution of the data used to estimate the fractional time raining. It is found that highly accurate estimates of rainfall amounts over periods of one month or greater can be obtained from the fractional time raining so long as high-time-resolution data are used. It is demonstrated that the relationship between the fractional time raining and monthly atoll rainfall is quasi-homogeneous within the monsoon trough region of the equatorial western Pacific.
Comparison of painful and painless left ventricular dysfunction recorded during ambulatory ventricular function monitoring in angina pectoris secondary to coronary artery disease

Abstract Left ventricular (LV) function and the electrocardiogram of 55 patients with coronary artery disease and angina were monitored for a mean of 3.2 ± 1.9 hours with an ambulatory LV function monitor. During the monitoring interval, patients performed daily activities such as sitting, walking, climbing stairs, and eating. Sixty episodes of transient reduction in ejection fraction of >5% lasting >60 seconds were observed in 24 patients; 13 episodes were associated with typical angina, but 47 were asymptomatic. Asymptomatic episodes had a shorter duration of ventricular dysfunction (116 ± 49 vs 189 ± 113 seconds; p
Spacing Between Phase Shifts in a Simple¶Scattering Problem

We prove a scattering theoretical version of the Berry–Tabor conjecture: for an almost every surface in a class of cylindrical surfaces of revolution, the large energy limit of the pair correlation measure of the quantum phase shifts is Poisson, that is, it is given by the uniform measure.