cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-world data services in virtual environments

This paper presents a set of data services that allow access to real life digital information within virtual environments. Since the emergence of virtual environments, technology has continued to evolve offering more powerful and more sophisticated virtual worlds. No longer just a tool for researchers, these environments have since become a presence in people's lives. Some of these may include video games while others are more social, like Second Life™ and Microsoft's New Xbox Experience. Data services provide real life synchronicity making the virtual environment a better interface for researchers and educators. In this paper we investigate how to make data sources available in virtual environments, monitor and virtually represent information, we also study the limitations of these data services and the ability to transfer data in parallel between real and virtual life. The implementation presented is based on Second Life (SL) a successful virtual environment created by Linden Labs. Among its features, SL gives its users the ability to create virtual programmable objects and to use basic http based data transfers. To illustrate our study, we use three different objects: a weather object that calls the NOAA's web service, a sensor object that virtually represents an array of sensors deployed throughout South Carolina, and finally a parallel data transfer object that demonstrates some intrinsic limitations of Second Life.
Arginine vasotocin gene expression in neuroendocrine, reproductive and gastrointestinal tissues of the domestic fowl: detection by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

Arginine vasotocin gene transcripts in various tissues of the domestic fowl were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis using a 209 bp fragment from the 3'-region of a cDNA encoding chicken arginine vasotocin as the probe. Relatively strong signals were observed with hypothalamic, adenohypophysial and proventricular RNA as the starting material. Lesser signals were obtained from RNA isolated from shell gland, adrenal gland, post-ovulatory follicles and ovarian thecal cells. Arginine vasotocin gene transcripts were undetectable in the posterior pituitary gland, small intestine and large intestine. These results suggest that in addition to its well-known antidiuretic and oxytocic actions, arginine vasotocin may act as a local neuromodulator or mediator and have other important autocrine or paracrine actions in non-hypothalamic tissues.
Laser Raman sensor for measurement of trace-hydrogen gas

A new optical hydrogen sensor based on spontaneous Raman scattering of laser light has been designed and constructed for rugged field use. It provides good sensitivity, rapid response, and the inherent Raman characteristics of linearity and background gas independence of the signal. Efficient light collection and discrimination by using fast optics and a bandpass interference filter compensate for the inefficiency of the Raman-scattering process. A multipass optical cavity with a Herriott-type configuration provides intense illumination from an air-cooled CW gas laser. The observed performance is in good agreement with the theoretical signal and noise level predictions.
The power of thought and the value of being lost [Perspectives on Graduate Life]

In the past few months, it has become clear to the author that the sum of everything in my graduate education that has fallen short of his naive expectations has been just a drop in the bucket compared to the relentless maelstrom of negative thoughts he rained down on himself every day. Hw was, to use a cliche, his own worst enemy. He is not trivializing how important it is to have resources and educators around you that are genuinely invested in your success; however, he feels it is impossible to make the most of any situation or reach your full potential if you are constantly getting in your own way. He concludes that we are all searching. Some are graduate students like him, some are stuck in their first jobs out of college and are slowly realizing that their yearly salary bump and bonus can't compensate for the emptiness of their profession, and others have had four completely different jobs in four years and are no closer to figuring out what they want. Social commentators love to say, somewhat scornfully, that it is the privilege of my generation to spend more money and time than ever before collecting name-brand degrees, only to graduate and feel lost and spend our prime career-building years trying to find ourselves again. We sometimes even return to the nest to hide out for a few years and find solace in the protective cocoon of our families. His final thought is that the commentators are right - we do that, and it is a privilege, but that does not mean it is a mistake.
Differential challenge stressor-hindrance stressor relationships with job attitudes, turnover intentions, turnover, and withdrawal behavior: A meta-analysis

In this article, a 2-dimensional work stressor framework is used to explain inconsistencies in past research with respect to stressor relationships with retention-related criteria. Results of meta-analyses of 183 independent samples indicated that whereas hindrance stressors had dysfunctional relationships with these criteria (negative relationships with job satisfaction and organizational commitment and positive relationships with turnover intentions, turnover, and withdrawal behavior), relationships with challenge stressors were generally the opposite (positive relationships with job satisfaction and organizational commitment and negative relationships with turnover intentions and turnover). Results also suggested that the differential relationships between challenge stressors and hindrance stressors and the more distal criteria (withdrawal behavior and turnover) were due, in part, to the mediating effects of job attitudes.
Determinants of Children's Satisfaction with their Child Care Providers

The purpose of this study was to assess children's satisfaction in alternative child care utilizing the Child Care Game Assessment (CCGA), a child interview tool developed by Godfrey (1992). Seventy‐seven children (38 girls and 39 boys) ranging in age from 3 years 11 months to 6 years 1 month (mean = 4 years 5 months) participated in this study. The children attended one of six child care centers randomly selected for study. Although child care centers varied according to scores on the ECERS, children's expressions of satisfaction regarding teacher interactions were not related to quality of child care. Rather, children were more positive about teacher interactions in the day care center when maternal responses on PSI Life Stress Scale (Abidin, 1986) indicated fewer recent life stress events for the family. Additionally, higher maternal education levels predicted more positive child perceptions of teacher interactions. Poorer classroom adjustment predicted more negative child perceptions of teacher intera...
Comparison of fluid warmer performance during simulated clinical conditions

The study evaluated the warming ability and flow rates associated with four fluid warming devices during pressure driven infusion and during wide open gravity driven roller clamp infusion. Warmers tested were the Astotherm, Flotem IIe, Level 1 System 250 and a modified cardioplegia heat exchanger. Fluids tested were crystalloid, red cells diluted with 200 ml, 0.9% saline, and undiluted red cells. The volume of fluid and outlet temperatures (point where iv tubing would be attached to the patient) were measured for each fluid and compared among warmers for each flow rate condition. For pressure driven infusion of red cells and crystalloid, the System 250, and modified heat exchanger delivered warmer fluids (33-35° C) at higher flow rates (160–740 ml · min− 1) than the Astotherm and Flotem (23–31° C, 44–268 ml · min− 1, P 32°C) in warming crystalloid and red cells at pressure driven flow rates. Only the System 250 warmed red cells >35° C at gravity driven flow rates. The Flotem and Astotherm were not effective in warming rapidly infused solutions. None of the warmers tested was able to deliver fluids at normothermia (>36.5° C).
Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD): development of image analysis criteria and examiner reliability for image analysis.

Objective As part of the Multisite Research Diagnostic Criteria For Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Validation Project, comprehensive temporomandibular joint diagnostic criteria were developed for image analysis using panoramic radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT). Study design Interexaminer reliability was estimated using the kappa (κ) statistic, and agreement between rater pairs was characterized by overall, positive, and negative percent agreement. Computerized tomography was the reference standard for assessing validity of other imaging modalities for detecting osteoarthritis (OA). Results For the radiologic diagnosis of OA, reliability of the 3 examiners was poor for panoramic radiography (κ = 0.16), fair for MRI (κ = 0.46), and close to the threshold for excellent for CT (κ = 0.71). Using MRI, reliability was excellent for diagnosing disc displacements (DD) with reduction (κ = 0.78) and for DD without reduction (κ = 0.94) and good for effusion (κ = 0.64). Overall percent agreement for pairwise ratings was ≥82% for all conditions. Positive percent agreement for diagnosing OA was 19% for panoramic radiography, 59% for MRI, and 84% for CT. Using MRI, positive percent agreement for diagnoses of any DD was 95% and of effusion was 81%. Negative percent agreement was ≥88% for all conditions. Compared with CT, panoramic radiography and MRI had poor and marginal sensitivity, respectively, but excellent specificity in detecting OA. Conclusion Comprehensive image analysis criteria for the RDC/TMD Validation Project were developed, which can reliably be used for assessing OA using CT and for disc position and effusion using MRI.
Combined proteasome and Bcl-2 inhibition stimulates apoptosis and inhibits growth in EBV-transformed lymphocytes: a potential therapeutic approach to EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases.

Objectives: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) transforms B-cells into immortalized lymphoblastoid cells (LCLs) by triggering signaling pathways that lead to activation of multiple transcription factors and anti-apoptotic proteins, including NF-κB and Bcl-2, respectively. Since proteasome inhibition suppresses NF-κB activity, we sought to determine whether the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, alone or in combination with Bcl-2 inhibition, has potential as a therapeutic strategy in EBV-driven B-cell neoplasms. Methods: We evaluated the effects of bortezomib in LCLs in vitro, in the presence and absence of the small molecular inhibitor of Bcl-2, HA14-1, on proliferation, apoptosis, caspase activation, and expression of Bcl-2 family members, and in vivo in the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) model of EBV+ lymphoproliferative disease. Results: Bortezomib inhibited proliferation, stimulated apoptosis, and activated caspases-3 and -9 in a dose-dependent manner in LCLs. In vivo, bortezomib completely abrogated development of EBV+ lymphoproliferative disease in LCL-bearing SCID mice. When HA14-1 was added to bortezomib in vitro, we observed a synergistic anti-proliferative effect and enhancement of apoptosis and caspase activation, including activation of caspase-8, in LCLs. These events were associated with modulation of expression of Bcl-2 family members towards a pro-apoptotic profile with translocation of cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Conclusions: These studies demonstrated that bortezomib mediates anti-tumor effects in EBV-associated lymphoproliferations both in vitro and in vivo, and that its anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects are synergistically enhanced in the presence of a Bcl-2 inhibitor. These findings support further investigation of bortezomib in EBV+ lymphoproliferative diseases, and suggest that bortezomib in combination with Bcl-2 antagonists represents a potential therapeutic strategy for EBV-driven B-cell neoplasms
Efficient intracellular delivery and improved biocompatibility of colloidal silver nanoparticles towards intracellular SERS immuno-sensing

High throughput intracellular delivery strategies, electroporation, passive and TATHA2 facilitated diffusion of colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are investigated for cellular toxicity and uptake using state-of-art analytical techniques. The TATHA2 facilitated approach efficiently delivered high payload with no toxicity, pre-requisites for intracellular applications of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PMNPs) in sensing and therapeutics.
Concepts of therapeutic effectiveness in psychoanalysis: A historical review

(1989). Concepts of therapeutic effectiveness in psychoanalysis: A historical review. Psychoanalytic Inquiry: Vol. 9, Change and Therapeutic Effectiveness in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, pp. 4-25.
Space Shuttle heating analysis with variation in angle of attack and surface condition

The effects of variations in the angle of attack and surface catalycity condition on the Space Shuttle surface heating along the windward centerline are evaluated. Further, the time history of the nonequilibrium-to-equilibrium surface heating ratio and the boundary edge quantities are analyzed. Results show that a + or - 5% change in the angle of attack does not appreciably influence either the nonequilibrium heating or the nonequilibrium-to-equilibrium heat transfer ratio at higher (75 km) or lower (48 km) altitudes. The variation in the recombination rate parameter is found to affect the surface heating most at an altitude of about 75 km for the STS-2 flight. A maximum reduction of 49% in heating due to nonequilibrium chemistry is obtained at about a 75 km altitude in the nose region of the Orbiter for the STS-2 flight data. In addition, the nonequilibrium effects at the boundary layer edge are found to become less significant for altitudes less than 65 km even though the boundary layer flow may still be in nonquilibrium.
Direct adrenergic stimulation of the release of thyrotropin and its subunits from the thyrotrope in vitro.

Adrenergic effects on TSH and subunit secretion were investigated in bovine anterior pituitary monolayer cultures. Epinephrine (E) (10-6 M) caused a significant increase in TSH, α-subunit, and TSHβ release into the medium (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.01, respectively). E, norepinephrine, and phenylephrine, all α-adrenergic agonists, caused significant increases in TSH release, with half-maximal effects at 4.3 × 10-7, 6.8 × 10-7, and 8.2 × 10-7 M, respectively. However, isoproterenol, a β-adrenergic agonist (10-7-10-4 M), did not alter TSH or subunit release. Clonidine, an α-adrenergic agonist (10-7-10-4 M), had no effect on TSH or subunit secretion; however, coincubation of clonidine (5 × 10-7 M) with a submaximal concentration of phenylephrine (5 × 10-7 M) caused a rise in TSH release greater (P < 0.02) than that seen with P alone. The α-adrenergic antagonists phentolamine and fluphenazine completely inhibited (P < 0.001) the E-induced rise in TSH and subunits. In contrast, the β-adrenergic antagonis...
Synthesis of glutamate and glutamine in dibutyryl cyclic AMP-treated astrocytes.

Abstract The relative contributions of radioactively labeled fatty acids and glucose to the synthesis of glutamate and glutamine were compared in native and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (diBcAMP)-treated primary rat astrocytes. The intracellular specific activities of glutamate and glutamine were 10-fold greater than the specific activities of aspartate or alanine. Butyrate, octanoate and palmitate were equally as effective as precursors for glutamate and glutamine while glucose was 50% as effective as the fatty acids. The specific activity of glutamate and glutamine were identical in the absence of diBcAMP. In diBcAMP treated cells the specific activity of glutamine was greater than that of glutamate when octanoate and palmitate were the labeled precursors. This suggests that cultured astrocytes preferentially utilize free fatty acids for glutamate/glutamine synthesis and that diBcAMP-treated astrocytes contain more than one glutamate compartment.
Fundamental sources of unpredictability

In discussing the fundamental sources of unpredictability, I shall concentrate on those indeterminacies that are definitely required by theory. Let me therefore begin by eliminating from consideration supposed indeterminacies stemming from doubts that some people may entertain about basic principles or from certain kinds of ignorance that I believe to be temporary and likely to be remedied in the relatively near future. I assume the following: 1. Quantum mechanics is correct. The formulation and interpretation of quantum mechanics are still undergoing some necessary evolution, especially in order to accommodate quantum cosmology in a comfortable way, but the basic character of quantum mechanics has always been the same and we may suppose it will remain unchanged. 2. The elementary particles and their interactions obey a definite dynamical law, discoverable by inquiring complex adaptive systems such as the human scientific enterprise. Although the process of discovery involves a sequence of approximate schemata, there is an endpoint to the process after a finite amount of research. (Of course, it can never be possible to prove that the resulting unified theory is perfect; one can only verify it in the usual way by comparing predictions to available observations.) Humans may already have found this unified quantum field theory in the form of superstring theory, which has, to begin with, no arbitrary parameters. (Of course, spontaneous symmetry breaking may give rise to some parameters and even to a choice of solutions, with probabilities for the various alternatives. I will deal with that possibility further on.) This second assumption is equivalent to stating that there is no necessary fundamental unpredictability stemming from ignorance of the universal dynamical law. 3. The density matrix (in the Schrodinger picture) of the universe near the beginning of its expansion is also knowable. It must in any case be comparatively simple and very far from equilibrium. The second law of thermodynamics and the other associated arrows of time are explained by these properties of the initial density matrix along with the fact that the universe is still very young—the interval of ten billion years is extremely short compared with the relaxation time from the special initial condition.
Coloniality in the phylum Rotifera

Coloniality in the phylum Rotifera is defined and reviewed. Only two families of rotifers contain truly colonial forms: Flosculariidae and Conochilidae (order Gnesiotrocha, suborder Flosculariacea). Most species form intraspecific colonies ranging in size from a few to about 200 individuals, but species that produce enormous colonies (> 1 000 individuals) are also known. All seven genera of the Flosculariidae contain species that form colonies to widely varying degrees (Beauchampia, Floscularia, Lacinularia, Limnias, Octotrocha, Ptygura, Sinantherina). All four species of the monogenetic Conochilidae (Conochilus) are colonial, but two species form colonies of only an adult and a few young. At least one other family (Philodinidae; Bdelloida) contains a species that exhibits a form of coloniality (Philodina megalotrocha). Two hypotheses that attempt to explain the adaptive significance of coloniality (Energetic Advantage and Predatory Avoidance) are reviewed and new information concerning the former is presented. Evolution of coloniality is discussed briefly.
An accurate elementary static theory of laminated thermoelastic beams

Abstract We show how, starting from an elementary, one-dimensional thermoelastic theory of beams, we may use an asymptotic analysis to approximate the temperature distribution in thin, orthotropic laminated beams and obtain an explicit, mean square error estimate using the hypercircle method. The temperature distribution gives rise to stresses that also are approximated using the asymptotic-hypercircle approach, as we illustrate in the analysis of a simple laminated beam. The relative error in both the temperature and stress distributions can be reduced to the order of magnitude of an arbitrary power of the ratio of the beam thickness to a characteristic length associated with the external thermal load. The method does not require any a priori assumptions regarding the thickness distributions of the temperature, displacements or stresses.
Decriminalization of suicide in Canada and suicide rates.

The decriminalization of suicide in Canada in 1972 did not lead to an increasing rate of suicide afterwards when compared with the period prior to 1972.
Atonic pupil after cataract surgery

We report and describe the clinical findings of three patients who developed atonic pupil after uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. All patients had normally reactive pupils one day postoperatively, but after two weeks, the pupils were dilated and nonreactive to light, accommodation, and miotics. To estimate the incidence of atonic pupil after cataract surgery, we sent a survey on the frequency, clinical features, and possible etiologies of this syndrome to members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Of the 567 respondents, 60% had seen at least one case of atonic pupil in the past five years; they reported a total of 1543 cases during that time. This is probably a conservative figure since many cases undoubtedly go unnoticed because of a lack of visual disturbance. We believe this condition occurs more frequently than previously reported. The atonic pupil should be recognized as a possible complication of cataract surgery that should be included in the preoperative consent form.
Refractories made from magnesite powder manufactured by the slurry process

It was found under plant conditions that when magnesite slurry powder is used to make bricks, there is no longer any need to age them first, or any need for other methods of hydrating the free calcium oxide in the powder or charge.
The Costs of Optimism and the Benefits of Pessimism

Research suggests that optimism feels good. However, does it always feel good? We suggest that the benefits (and costs) of optimism and pessimism depend on their timing. A study of exam score estimates revealed that, after controlling for actual exam performance, optimistic expectations are unrelated to how people feel immediately before feedback, in contrast to the common wisdom that optimism "feels good." Furthermore, optimism has costs after feedback-participants who predicted higher scores before feedback felt worse after learning their scores. Finally, people seem to be aware of the potential costs of optimism-participants who predicted higher scores before feedback also anticipated experiencing greater disappointment should they perform poorly. These findings suggest that people may proactively manage their expectations to avoid the costs of optimism.
Lunar manufacturing: A survey of products and processes

Abstract A survey of materials processing systems compatible with accessible input fractions of lunar materials is presented. Initial processing steps can be divided into three groups: 1) reagentless, 2) requiring reagents composed solely of lunar recoverable elements, and 3) requiring reagents containing some earth-imported elements. The capabilities and constraints of the processes are discussed and a range of output materials, products and potential applications derivable solely or predominantly from whole sample separation and refinement systems is outlined.
Solution algorithms for non-linear singularly perturbed optimal control problems

The applicability and usefulness of several classical and other methods for solving the two-point boundary-value problem which arises in non-linear singularly perturbed optimal control are assessed. Specific algorithms of the Picard, Newton and averaging types are formally developed for this class of problem. The computational requirements associated with each algorithm are analysed and compared with the computational requirement of the method of matched asymptotic expansions. Approximate solutions to a linear and a non-linear problem are obtained by each method and compared.
Relatively robust representations of symmetric tridiagonals

Let LDLt be the triangular factorization of an unreduced symmetric tridiagonal matrix T−τI. Small relative changes in the nontrivial entries of L and D may be represented by diagonal scaling matrices Δ1 and Δ2; LDLt→Δ2LΔ1DΔ1LtΔ2. The effect of Δ2 on the eigenvalues λi−τ is benign. In this paper we study the inner perturbations induced by Δ1. Suitable condition numbers govern the relative changes in the eigenvalues λi−τ. We show that when τ=λj is an eigenvalue then the relative condition number of λm−λj, m≠j, is the same for all n twisted factorizations, one of which is LDLt, that could be used to represent T−τI. See Section 2. We prove that as τ→λj the smallest eigenvalue has relative condition number relcond=1+O(|τ−λj|). Each relcond is a rational function of τ. We identify the poles and then use orthogonal polynomial theory to develop upper bounds on the sum of the relconds of all the eigenvalues. These bounds require O(n) operations for an n×n matrix. We show that the sum of all the relconds is bounded by κ trace (L|D|Lt) and conjecture that κ<n/∥LDLt∥. The quantity trace(L|D|Lt)/∥LDLt∥ is a natural measure of element growth in the context of this paper. An algorithm for computing numerically orthogonal eigenvectors without recourse to the Gram–Schmidt process is sketched. It requires that there exist values of τ close to each cluster of close eigenvalues such that all the relconds belonging to the cluster are modest (say ⩽10), the sensitivity of the other eigenvalues is not important. For this reason we develop O(n) bounds on the sum of the relconds associated with a cluster. None of our bounds makes reference to the nature of the distribution of the eigenvalues within a cluster which can be very complicated.
Detection of DNA sequence polymorphisms among wheat varieties.

A DNA marker detection strategy that allows the rapid, efficient resolution of high levels of polymorphism among closely related lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been developed to circumvent the apparent lack of restriction fragment length polymorphism in many important self-pollinated crop species. The technique of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was combined with a denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis system (DGGE) to explore DNA sequence polymorphisms among different genotypes of wheat. Of the 65 primer combinations used for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications, over 38% of them produced readily detectable and reproducible DNA polymorphisms between a spring wheat line, SO852, and a winter wheat variety, ‘Clark’. A high level of polymorphism was observed among a number of commercial varieties and breeding lines of wheat. This procedure was also used to detect polymorphisms in a recombinant inbred population to test the feasibility of its application in genome mapping. This DNA polymorphism detection system provides an opportunity for pedigree analysis and fingerprinting of developed wheat lines as well as construction of a high density genetic map of wheat. Without the need for 32P and sophisticated DNA extraction procedures, this approach should make it feasible to utilize marker-based selection in a plant breeding program.
The taxation of Internet commerce

The courts have found that Internet commerce is similar to interstate commerce in that it is largely exempt from taxation. Nonetheless, many state governments are attempting to tax the Internet broadly, levying transactions that would otherwise be considered nontaxable under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and related interstate commerce statutes. This investigation assesses the current status of the taxation of Internet commerce and seeks to identify the factors that are associated with how states apply taxes to Internet commerce. Although a number of demographic, fiscal, and state organizational factors are associated with the application of taxes on Internet commerce, few of the relationships are strong enough to merit further attention. Moreover, recommendations are made to Congress, governors, and legislatures regarding how they may ensure that laws and programs designed to regulate the collection of Internet taxes are implemented in the fairest and least disruptive manner possible.
Cost and performance analysis of printed circuit board manufacture using surface mount devices

This paper presents a model for predicting the cost of manufacturing electronic circuit boards. The model represents manufacturing systems currently in use in the industry. It concentrates on surface mount technology, using a mixture of automatic, programmable and manual assembly techniques. The model includes elements to account for inventory, assembly, and test and rework costs. It also considers the effect on total manufacturing cost of introducing a new component type.
Fludarabine/i.v. BU conditioning regimen: myeloablative, reduced intensity or both?

In this study, we utilized a conditioning regimen with fludarabine and myeloablative dose i.v. BU (12.8 mg/kg) (FluBU) in 36 adult patients (median age: 44 years, range: 18–61) with myeloid or lymphoid malignancies at standard risk (n=10) or high risk of relapse (n=26), who received an allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) from HLA-matched related (n=16) or unrelated (n=20) donors. The source of hematopoietic stem cells was peripheral blood in 28 and marrow in 8 cases. Rabbit-antithymocyte globulin at 7 mg/kg was utilized in 21 patients. Acute GVHD grade II–IV was observed in 19% of the patients (grade III–IV in 14% of patients) and chronic GVHD in 11 of 30 evaluable patients (37%). At median follow-up of 737 days (range: 152–1737) for alive patients, overall survival rates in standard- and high-risk patients were 80 and 35%, respectively, and event-free survival rates were 70 and 31%, respectively. TRM was 10% in standard-risk and 19% in high-risk patients. Post transplant relapse was observed in 20% standard-risk and in 46% high-risk patients. FluBU conditioning regimen is associated with a limited hematologic and extrahematologic toxicity and with an antitumor activity comparable to other standard myeloablative regimens.
Constituents of the Rhizome of Asarum Canadense

A pentane extract from the rhizomes of Asarum canadense was separated first by means of steam distillation, and then by column and gas chromatography. From the steam-volatile oil the following constituents were isolated (percentages are shown in parentheses): methyleugenol (44.5), linalyl acetate (41.1), geraniol (7.4), linalool (5.3), limonene (0.8), α -terpineol (0.4), bornyl acetate (0.3), aristolone (0.1), elemicin (0.1), 2, 3,4, 5-tetramethoxyallylbenzene (0.05), 2, 4-dimethoxycinnamaldehyde (0.05), and two unidentified compounds (0.01 each). The steam-nonvolatile residue contained some of the above and also β -sitosterol.
Abdominal CT scanning for trauma: how low can we go?

Abstract Purpose: computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen is an established, albeit expensive and perhaps overused, diagnostic modality for the evaluation of the injured patient. We developed a practice management guideline for blunt abdominal trauma intended to reduce the percentage of negative CT scans, yet minimize delayed recognition of injury and non-therapeutic laparotomy. Procedures: between April 1996 and March 1997, 1147 adult patients at risk for blunt abdominal injury were admitted to our Level I trauma centre and underwent abdominal evaluation according to the practice management guideline. Main Findings: abdominal CT was performed in 522 patients (45%), and 441 scans were negative (85%). Delayed recognition of injury and non-therapeutic laparotomy rates were low, 4% and 1.6%, respectively. Principal Conclusion: abdominal CT scanning in trauma patients can achieve low non-therapeutic laparotomy and delayed recognition of injury rates but at the expense of high negative CT scan rates. Greater reliance on the physical examination and perhaps abdominal ultrasound may reduce negative CT scan rates and yet preserve low non-therapeutic laparotomy and delayed recognition of injury rates.
New developments in the chemistry of heteropolytungstates of rhodium and cerium

The heteropolytungstates [PW11O39RhCl]5− (I), [PW11O39RhCH2COOH]5− (III), and [PW11O39Rh2(OAc)2]5− (IV) are prepared by hydrothermal reaction of [PW11O39]7− with RhCl3 or Rh2(OAc)4 and characterized by NMR and X-ray structure determination. Electrolytic reduction of I yields the dimeric species [(PW11O39Rh2)]10− (II) which reacts with C6H5CH2Br under photochemical conditions to yield dibenzyl and [PW11O39RhBr]5− in a process analogous to Rh-porphyrins. Anion III and the corresponding Sicentered anion are rare examples of complexes with Rh-C bonds prepared in aqueous solution. Reaction of B-α [AsIIIW9O33]9− with LnIII yields new, massive heteropolytungstates [As2Ln2(H2O)W29O103]17− Ln = La, Ce(V), [Ce4(H2O)4 − 4x(AsW9O33)4As(WO3)2 + x(WO5)]25−, x < 0.5 (VI), and As12Ln16(H2O)36W184O324]76−; Ln La,Ce (VII) with approximate relative molecular masses of 7 600, 10 500, and 40 000 respectively. Anion VII has a folded cyclic structure with a radius of 4 nm and is the largest heteropolytungstate so far reported. It is synthesized in yields of ca 30 % under mild conditions.
Catalysis in reactions of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide.

Abstract The hydration reaction of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide was studied spectrophotometrically and demonstrated to be both specific- and general-acid catalyzed. Catalysis was observed in six different buffers in the pH region of 5–8, and in each case a rate-dependency on the acid form of the buffer was obtained. The catalytic constants for inorganic phosphate and β-glycerophosphate were significantly larger than those predicted by the acid dissociation constants of these compounds.
Expression of CX3CR1 chemokine receptors on neurons and their role in neuronal survival

Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the chemokine fractalkine is widely expressed in the brain and localized principally to neurons. Central nervous system expression of CX3CR1, the only known receptor for fractalkine, has been demonstrated exclusively on microglia and astrocytes. Thus, it has been proposed that fractalkine regulates cellular communication between neurons (that produce fractalkine) and microglia (that express its receptor). Here we show, for the first time, that hippocampal neurons also express CX3CR1. Receptor activation by soluble fractalkine induces activation of the protein kinase Akt, a major component of prosurvival signaling pathways, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, a downstream effector of Akt. Fractalkine protects hippocampal neurons from the neurotoxicity induced by the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120IIIB, an effect blocked by anti-CX3CR1 antibodies. Experiments with two different inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, a key enzyme in the activation of Akt, and with a phospholipid activator of Akt demonstrate that Akt activation is responsible for the neuroprotective effects of fractalkine. These data show that neuronal CX3CR1 receptors mediate the neurotrophic effects of fractalkine, suggesting that fractalkine and its receptor are involved in a complex network of both paracrine and autocrine interactions between neurons and glia.
Pole mobility and minimal norm stabilization of SISO systems under bounded state feedback

This paper examines the fundamental system properties of pole mobility and stabilizability under bounded feedback for the case of single-input single-output (SISO) systems, where the constraints on the feedback are defined in terms of the L 2 norm. It is shown that the bounded gain assumption implies a bounded norm condition on the coefficient vector associated with the closed-loop characteristic polynomial. Classical and new results on the root distribution of bounded coefficient polynomials are reviewed first. With these results, the closed-loop pole mobility of SISO systems under bounded state feedback is studied. It is shown that the assignable closed-loop poles are always within bounded regions, and alternative estimates for these regions are given. Exact boundaries are also established by utilizing computational methods. A common computational scheme is also developed to calculate the distances of stable polynomials from instability and the distance of unstable polynomials from stability. Finally, f...
Bioindicators: A Review of Their Use in the Environmental Literature 1970–2005

A wide range of scientists, managers, governmental agencies, and the public are interested in assessing the health and well-being of species, populations, and ecosystems. This has resulted in increased studies of the usefulness of different indicators as a measure of stressors and contaminants. This paper presents a review of bioindicators since 1970 by using four journals: Science of the Total Environment, Environmental Science and Technology, Environmental Pollution, and Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. The overall objective was to examine temporal trends in publications on bioindicators, the species used as bioindicators, the contaminants of concern, and what they indicated (e.g., pollution or air quality). Overall, there has been a steady rise in the publication of papers about indicators since 1970, with nearly 35% of the indicator papers published in the last 5 years. Most papers that use the term indicator or bioindicator deal with some form of pollution, environmental quality, or human heal...
Fluctuations in the time variable and dynamical heterogeneity in glass-forming systems.

We test a hypothesis for the origin of dynamical heterogeneity in slowly relaxing systems, namely that it emerges from soft (Goldstone) modes associated with a broken continuous symmetry under time reparametrizations. We do this by constructing coarse grained observables and decomposing the fluctuations of these observables into transverse components, which are associated with the postulated time-fluctuation soft modes, and a longitudinal component, which represents the rest of the fluctuations. Our test is performed on data obtained in simulations of four models of structural glasses. As the hypothesis predicts, we find that the time reparametrization fluctuations become increasingly dominant as temperature is lowered and timescales are increased. More specifically, the ratio between the strengths of the transverse fluctuations and the longitudinal fluctuations grows as a function of the dynamical susceptibility, ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{4}$, which represents the strength of the dynamical heterogeneity; and the correlation volumes for the transverse fluctuations are approximately proportional to those for the dynamical heterogeneity, while the correlation volumes for the longitudinal fluctuations remain small and approximately constant.
Simulation of multi-gradient models of organisms in the context of L-systems*

It is demonstrated that a simulation program (CELIA) based on L-systems is an appropriate tool for studying the development of biological organisms and for testing hypotheses concerning such development. The demonstration involves the simulation of some grafting experiments on Hydra which were done in order to test their regulatory properties. The simulation is based on a diffusion-inhibition model which embodies the principle of positional information.
Seafloor Map Generation for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Navigation

Elevation map generation is an essential component of any autonomous underwater vehicle designed to navigate close to the seafloor because elevation maps are used for obstacle avoidance, path planning and self localization. We present an algorithm for the reconstruction of elevation maps of the seafloor from side-scan sonar backscatter images and sparse bathymetric points co-registered within the image. Given the trajectory for the underwater vehicle, the reconstruction is corrected for the attitude of the side-scan sonar during the image generation process. To perform reconstruction, an arbitrary but computable scattering model is assumed for the seafloor backscatter. The algorithm uses the sparse bathymetric data to generate an initial estimate for the elevation map which is then iteratively refined to fit the backscatter image by minimizing a global error functional. Concurrently, the parameters of the scattering model are determined on a coarse grid in the image by fitting the assumed scattering model to the backscatter data. The reconstruction is corrected for the movement of the sensor by initially doing local reconstructions in sensor coordinates and then transforming the local reconstructions to a global coordinate system using vehicle attitude and performing the reconstruction again. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm on synthetic and real data sets. Our algorithm is shown to decrease the average elevation error when compared to real bathymetry from 4.6 meters for the initial surface estimate to 1.6 meters for the final surface estimate from a survey taken of the Juan de Fuca Ridge.
Rent protection as a barrier to innovation and growth

We build a model of R&D-based growth in which the discovery of higher-quality products is governed by sequential stochastic innovation contests. We term the costly attempts of incumbent firms to safeguard the monopoly rents from their past innovations rent-protecting activities. Our analysis (1) offers a novel explanation of the observation that the difficulty of conducting R&D has been increasing over time, (2) establishes the emergence of endogenous scale-invariant long-run innovation and growth, and (3) identifies a new structural barrier to innovation and growth. We also show that long-run growth depends positively on proportional R&D subsidies, the population growth rate, and the size of innovations, but negatively on the market interest rate and the effectiveness of rent-protecting activities.
Schematic model for the differences between neutron and proton quadrupole deformation parameters in open-shell nuclei

The schematic model is extended to open-shell nuclei. The quasiparticle random-phase approximation plus core polarization are used to calculate multipole matrix elements ${M}_{n}$ and ${M}_{p}$. Calculated trends in the ratio of deformation parameters $\frac{{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{n}}{{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{p}}$ are compared with experimental ratios for several sets of isotopes and isotones. The systematics indicate a rather abrupt change toward equality of ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{n}$ and ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{p}$ when $N$ or $Z$ is changed from a closed-shell value.
An improved biased difference scheme for the solution of hyperbolic equations by the method of lines

Abstract An upstream biased differencing scheme is presented for the solution of hyperbolic partial differential equations by the method of lines. The parameters in the difference formula are functions of the grid spacing and can give accuracy between first and second order. Testing has indicated that an order of 1.5 leads to a reasonable balance between stability and accuracy for typical problems. The mmethod is successfully demonstrated on hyperbolic equations which do not have shock discontinuities and is shown to be an effective means of solving coupled sets of hyperbolic and parabolic equations.
Melting and glass transitions in paraffinic and naphthenic oils

Abstract Naphthenic and paraffinic oils were analyzed by modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). The results showed several improvements in the analysis of thermal properties when compared with standard DSC. The glass transition temperature ( T g ), the enthalpy relaxation at T g , and the melting endotherms could be deconvoluted, and reversible melting could be identified. This allowed for an easier interpretation of the thermal properties of the oils. With MDSC, the T g s in mineral oils were found to coincide with endothermic enthalpy relaxation, which is generally regarded as a melting endotherm with standard DSC. A decrease in heat capacity after T g was attributed to the existence of rigid amorphous material. From Δ c p at T g and the oil molecular weight, the number of repeat units in the oil chains was estimated at less than 20. The T g of a hypothetical pure aromatic oil was found to be similar to that for petroleum asphaltenes, and that for a naphthenic oil of infinite molecular weight to be similar to that of petroleum resins.
Fast-swimming hydromedusae exploit velar kinematics to form an optimal vortex wake.

Fast-swimming hydromedusan jellyfish possess a characteristic funnel-shaped velum at the exit of their oral cavity that interacts with the pulsed jets of water ejected during swimming motions. It has been previously assumed that the velum primarily serves to augment swimming thrust by constricting the ejected flow in order to produce higher jet velocities. This paper presents high-speed video and dye-flow visualizations of free-swimming Nemopsis bachei hydromedusae, which instead indicate that the time-dependent velar kinematics observed during the swimming cycle primarily serve to optimize vortices formed by the ejected water rather than to affect the speed of the ejected flow. Optimal vortex formation is favorable in fast-swimming jellyfish because, unlike the jet funnelling mechanism, it allows for the minimization of energy costs while maximizing thrust forces. However, the vortex `formation number' corresponding to optimality in N. bachei is substantially greater than the value of 4 found in previous engineering studies of pulsed jets from rigid tubes. The increased optimal vortex formation number is attributable to the transient velar kinematics exhibited by the animals. A recently developed model for instantaneous forces generated during swimming motions is implemented to demonstrate that transient velar kinematics are required in order to achieve the measured swimming trajectories. The presence of velar structures in fast-swimming jellyfish and the occurrence of similar jet-regulating mechanisms in other jet-propelled swimmers (e.g. the funnel of squid) appear to be a primary factor contributing to success of fast-swimming jetters, despite their primitive body plans.
Implementation of multimedia conferencing and neurofuzzy expert modules in an intelligent telerehab assistant

The motivation behind an intelligent telerehabilitation assistant is described. This system is implemented for mobile telehealth applications that use either PocketPC/sup /spl reg// or Laptop computers with various types of wireless telecommunications. The system structure includes a telepractitioner terminal, a patient terminal, and a Web-based central station. Multimedia conferencing is possible between terminals, with the telepractitioner having added capabilities such as remote operation. The embedded expert system modules, based on neurofuzzy technology, fall into two categories: task-based modules that facilitate ease of use and implementation of evaluative and therapeutic protocols, and decision-support modules that assist practitioners with outcomes evaluation and helping optimize the rehab intervention strategy.