cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Haptic enhanced tutorials: Using haptic cues to increase visual attention

One area of human-computer interaction that has not been explored is the use of haptics in program tutorials. Many complex programs, such as 3D Studio Max, have crowded graphical user interfaces. Although this cannot be avoided, it can be frustrating to individuals trying to learn these programs, especially since the written tutorials provided as learning materials have a tendency to be difficult to understand. This paper focuses on utilizing haptic feedback to clarify such program tutorials, in particular a 3D Studio Max modifier tutorial. An experimental study was conducted to examine the effects of adding haptics to a 3D Studio Max tutorial. The results show that adding haptics decreases the amount of time and frustration it takes to learn a new computer application.
Trellis: Portability across architectures with a high-level framework

The increasing computational needs of parallel applications inevitably require portability across parallel architectures, which now include heterogeneous processing resources, such as CPUs and GPUs, and multiple SIMD/SIMT widths. However, the lack of a common parallel programming paradigm that provides predictable, near-optimal performance on each resource leads to the use of low-level frameworks with architecture-specific optimizations, which in turn cause the code base to diverge and makes porting difficult. Our experiences with parallel applications and frameworks lead us to the conclusion that achieving performance portability requires a common set of high-level directives and efficient mapping onto each architecture. In order to demonstrate this concept, we develop Trellis, a prototype programming framework that allows the programmer to maintain only a single generic and structured codebase that executes efficiently on both the CPU and the GPU. Our approach annotates such code with a single set of high-level directives, derived from both OpenMP and OpenACC, that is made compatible for both architectures. Most importantly, motivated by the limitations of the OpenACC compiler in transforming such code into a GPU kernel, we introduce a thread synchronization directive and a set of transformation techniques that allow us to obtain the GPU code with the desired parallelization that yields more optimal performance. While a common high-level programming framework for both CPU and GPU is not yet available, our analysis shows that even obtaining the best-case GPU performance with OpenACC, state-of-the-art solution, requires modifications to the structure of codes to properly exploit braided parallelism, and cope with conditional statements or serial sections. While this already requires prior knowledge of compiler behavior the optimal performance is still unattainable due to the lack of synchronization. We describe the contributions of Trellis in addressing these problems by showing how it can achieve correct parallelization of the original codes for three parallel applications, with performance competitive to that of OpenMP and CUDA, improved programmability and reduced overall code length.
Binary membranes: a reinterpretation of membrane and myelin structure.

Abstract Membrane structure is reinterpreted in terms of a binary membrane consisting of a double layer of lipoprotein globules. In sectioned and stained mitochondrial preparations the binary membrane appears as a five-layered structure—three dark lines separated by two unstained regions. Electron micrographs published in the literature suggest that other biomembranes may exhibit this binary structure.
The Retromer Complex Influences Wnt Secretion by Recycling Wntless from Endosomes to the Trans-Golgi Network

Secreted Wnt proteins play essential roles in many biological processes during development and diseases. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) controlling Wnt secretion. Recent studies have identified Wntless (Wls) and the retromer complex as essential components involved in Wnt signaling. While Wls has been shown to be essential for Wnt secretion, the function(s) of the retromer complex in Wnt signaling is unknown. Here, we have examined a role of Vps35, an essential retromer subunit, in Wnt signaling in Drosophila and mammalian cells. We provide compelling evidence that the retromer complex is required for Wnt secretion. Importantly, Vps35 colocalizes in endosomes and interacts with Wls. Wls becomes unstable in the absence of retromer activity. Our findings link Wls and retromer functions in the same conserved Wnt secretion pathway. We propose that retromer influences Wnt secretion by recycling Wntless from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN).
Method Acting and Gestalt Therapy with Couples

SUMMARY Techniques taken from Method acting may be useful therapeutic tools and may lend themselves to adoption by Gestalt therapists. Similarities between the goals and procedures of Method acting and Gestalt therapy are described in some detail. The importance and effectiveness of enacted fantasy are discussed, and techniques of Method acting are described in terms of their relation to Gestalt theory. The importance and application of these techniques to Gestalt therapy with couples are discussed.
Growth and Interdependence

Two of the most interesting facts of the postwar international growth experience are (1) the conditional convergence finding that, after controlling for measures of education and government policies, poor countries tend to grow faster than rich ones; and (2) a small group of export-oriented economies in East Asia have been able to grow at rates that are so high that they defy historical comparisons. This paper shows that it is possible to explain these facts by combining a weak form of the factor-price-equalization theorem of international trade with the Ramsey model of economic growth.
QCD asymptotics and kinematic thresholds in deep inelastic scattering

Abstract The Nachtmann moments of deep inelastic scattering structure functions are required by kinematics to contain a so far neglected threshold factor which is dependent on both n and q 2 . Its presence significantly affects the “moment analysis” in the usual QCD phenomenology and it resolves the difficulties connected with improper threshold behavior of the “ξ-scaling” analysis of structure functions.
INFRARED INVESTIGATION OF NiO-Al2O3 AEROGEL CATALYSTS FOR THE NITROXIDATION OF PROPENE TO NITRILES

Infrared and kinetic studies were conducted for NiO-Al2O3 aerogel catalysts to determine the types and relative numbers of Ni sites responsible for catalytic activity and selectivity in the nitroxidation of propene to 2-propenenitrile. The evaluated catalysts had Ni to Al ratios of 0.04/1.0, 0.4/1.0 and 1.0/1.0. The effect of catalyst preparation on active Ni sites was determined by studying pairs of catalysts with the same Ni/Al ratio. The infrared studies were carried out using CO and NO as molecular probes, and by varying the temperature of pretreatment ( calcination and reduction). Bands for adsorbed CO were seen for all catalysts corresponding to weakly held CO on Ni2+ and Ni1+ sites. Both linear and bridged adsorption of CO on reduced NiO sites were also evident on catalysts reduced in H2 at 550°C. All catalysts showed bands arising from NO strongly held on Ni sites. The CO and NO bands varied in intensity depending on the temperature of pretreatment. Catalytic activity depends on both the number of...
Hexosamines in Soil Aggregates

RECENT experiments at this Station on water-stable soil aggregates in a Bridgehampton silt loam have indicated that quantity of soil organic matter is not a reliable index of efficiency in the formation and stabilization of aggregates1,2. These investigations involved soils in frames that had been in redtop–potato and red clover–potato rotations for a long period of time—redtop I (1933), redtop II (1950), red clover (1950), continuous potatoes (1933). Crop yields were closely related to aggregation, and fresh additions of organic residues in the rotation systems enhanced aggregate formation.
Use of flexible hollow-core CO2 laser in microsurgical resection of CNS lesions: early surgical experience.

Introduction The CO2 laser has a long history in both experimental and clinical neurosurgery. However, its use over the past decade has been limited by its cumbersome design and bulky set-up of the micromanipulator. These limitations are amplified when it is used with the operating microscope. These restrictions are addressed by the Omniguide fiber, which delivers the beam through flexible hollow-core photonic bandgap mirror fibers and allows the laser to be wielded like any other surgical instrument. Methods The attending neurosurgeon prospectively assessed the usefulness of the laser in its first 45 consecutive uses at our institution based on a scale of 1 to 5. Results The series included 11 cavernous malformations, 14 meningiomas, 7 ependymomas, 3 metastases, 3 astrocytomas, and 7 miscellaneous lesions. The laser was set up 91 times and used in 45 cases. The Omniguide fiber failed 5 times. No adverse events involving patients or staff were associated with laser use. The mean utility score was 3.7 +/- 0.8 (range, 2-5). The laser was most helpful in debulking fibrous lesions too tough for ultrasonic aspiration and lesions adherent to delicate neurovascular structures. The laser was not helpful with highly vascular tumors. Conclusion In our early experience, the Omniguide laser was very helpful in selected cases in resecting specific types of lesions without complications; we have added the device to our neurosurgical armamentarium.
Laparoscopic Removal of Spermatic Cord to Reduce Incision Size of Open Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

Objective To describe a laparoscopic-assisted modification to the traditional open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) to significantly shorten incision length and decrease morbidity of the laparotomy. Methods We describe 3 patients who underwent primary RPLND using the laparoscopic-assisted cord excision for stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors. Spermatic cord excision is performed laparoscopically, and a standard nerve-sparing bilateral template RPLND is then performed through a supraumbilical incision. Operative time, intraoperative estimated blood loss, number of lymph nodes resected, complications, length of hospital stay, and follow-up were determined. Results All patients were clinical stage 1 (T1-2, Nx, M0 S0). The primary testicular tumor size was 2.2-5.5 cm with embryonal components, and all had negative results on abdominal and chest computed tomography imaging. Mean estimated blood loss was 267 mL (range, 100-500), operating room time was 293 minutes (range, 254-306), and all patients were discharged on postoperative day 5. There were no complications noted. Node counts were 22-33. The median length of follow-up was 20 months with no recurrence. Conclusion Laparoscopic removal of the spermatic cord during open RPLND is a simple modification to the standard technique that reduces incision size without compromising the quality of open RPLND.
Pial arteriovenous fistula resulting from ventriculostomy.

Objective Ventriculostomy complications are well documented in the literature. We report the first known example of an arteriovenous fistula created during passage of a ventriculostomy catheter for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Methods A 47-year-old female patient initially presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. The patient underwent coil embolization followed by a ventriculostomy catheter for hydrocephalus. After recovery, a follow-up angiogram demonstrated a new arteriovenous fistula at the site of the ventriculostomy. A craniotomy was performed at the site of the ventriculostomy burr-hole site. Indocyanine green videoangiography confirmed the site of the fistula. Results The fistulous point was coagulated and divided and confirmed with both indocyanine green videoangiography and intraoperative diagnostic angiography. The patient recovered without deficit. Conclusion This is the first reported case of a pial arteriovenous fistula from a ventriculostomy catheter. The formation of a fistula can occur from trauma to cortical arteries and veins at the pial entry site. Although rare, vascular injury and subsequent fistula formation may form in patients in whom catheter tract hemorrhages occur after catheter placement.
Chemical Imaging of Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) Surface Architecture

In the automotive industry, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) is mixed with polypropylene (PP) to form a thermoplastic olefin (TPO) for use as car bumpers and fascia. An adhesion promoting primer, chlorinated polyolefin (CPO), is spray coated onto the TPO surface to increase adhesion of the base and clear coat paints to the low surface free energy TPO substrate. The surface morphology of rubber domains within the CPO-coated TPO substrate contributes strongly to the material characteristics, including impact resistance and adhesion properties. However, elastomer-phase analysis is challenging using traditional microanalysis imaging techniques. The authors employ fluorescence and Raman chemical imaging to characterize the TPO architecture in order to better understand the surface properties of coated TPO. Fluorescence imaging makes use of Nile red (NR), a fluorescent solvatochromic dye, solvated in the primer, which is effective in differentiating rubber from polypropylene on the basis of large variations in the fluorescence quantum efficiency. Confocal fluorescence chemical imaging performed on T PO coated with NR-doped CPO shows a thin (2--3 {micro}m) layer of elastomer that has migrated to the TPO surface. Raman chemical imaging is in direct agreement with the fluorescence experiments by measuring the intrinsic vibrational signatures of CPO, EPR, and PP without themore » need for dyes or stains. Raman contrast is enhanced using cosine correlation analysis, a novel multivariate processing technique that provides chemical contrast on the basis of differences in spectral shape.« less
Determinants of trachoma endemicity using Chlamydia trachomatis ompA DNA sequencing

A six-year prospective study of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and ocular disease in Tanzanian village children was conducted to identify the determinants of trachoma endemicity using sequencing of ompA. Overall, 749 conjunctival samples were obtained, with 176 children sampled in both 1989 and 1995. 31.1% (233/749) were positive by PCR-enzyme immunoassay, and 76% (176/233) of the positives were sequenced in variable domains (VD) 1 to 4 (22 children in both 1989 and 1995). Twenty-six ompA genotypes of serovar A, and 19 of B/Ba were identified, and only 20% of genotypes identified in 1995 matched those found in 1989. In particular, B/Ba genotypes exhibited a 15-base region in VD 2 with increased nucleotide substitution, and these types were associated with age and water availability. Homotypic infection and infection with multiple genotypes and high chlamydial load did predict subsequent severe trachoma (odds ratio (OR) = 10.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71, 60.23; OR = 6.40, 95% CI: 0.75, 54.41; OR = 6.74, 95% CI: 0.82, 55.38, respectively). And, multitypic infection was clustered with residence of village and associated with familial cattle ownership. In conclusion, high ompA polymorphism and the inability of some hosts to clear infection with the same ompA genotype suggest two distinct but converging mechanisms of endemic severe trachoma.
Design-for-testability for multi-cycle broadside tests by holding of state variables

This article describes a design-for-testability approach for increasing the transition fault coverage of multi-cycle broadside tests. Earlier methods addressed two-cycle tests. The importance of multi-cycle tests results from the ability to produce more compact test sets than possible with two-cycle tests, from the fact that when multi-cycle tests are applied at-speed, they can detect defects that are not detected by two-cycle tests and from their ability to avoid overtesting of delay faults. The approach described in this article is based on holding the values of selected state variables constant during the functional clock cycles of a multi-cycle broadside test. This allows new tests to be produced, which are different from broadside tests, without relying on nonfunctional toggling of state variables as in earlier methods for two-cycle tests. Experimental results show significant improvements in transition fault coverage using a fixed set of hold configurations for two types of multi-cycle broadside test sets: (1) test sets that are stored and applied from an external tester, and (2) functional broadside test sets that are generated using on-chip hardware.
A Media Planning Calculus

A convenient on-line computer system selects and schedules advertising media. The system consists of a market-response model, a heuristic search routine, and a conversational input-output program. The user supplies a list of media options, a budget, and various objective and subjective data about the media options and the desired audience. The system selects a set of options and schedules them over time, seeking to maximize total market response. The model of market response works as follows: The population is divided into market segments. People in each segment are characterized by their sales potential and media habits. Ads placed in the media options lead people to be exposed to the advertising. The pattern of exposures in each market segment is determined by media coverage and duplication data. People tend to forget exposures and so the retained exposure level decays in the absence of new advertising. The response of an individual, in terms of the fraction of sales potential realized by the advertiser, increases with exposure level but with diminishing returns. Total market response is a sum over people, market segments, and time periods. The calculation of response is based on analytic formulas that are computationally very efficient. A maximum-seeking, heuristic calculation starts with any schedule, adds options with a high increment of response per dollar and deletes options with a low increment per dollar until no more improvement can be found for the given budget. An on-line system, called mediac, permits the use of model and heuristic at a remote console of a time-shared computer. Communication with the computer is conversational and largely self-explanatory. The system is operational. Computing costs have been a fraction of a per cent of the cost of the media scheduled. Improvements over previous schedules, as calculated by the model from the user's input data, have run from 5 per cent to over 20 per cent.
EVALUATION OF OXYRASE METHOD FOR CAMPYLOBACTER ISOLATION FROM CHICKEN CARCASSES1

One hundred fresh chickens were purchased from an area grocery store and assayed for campylobacters by comparing four different isolation methods. In all methods, recovery of campylobacter involved pre-enrichment in broths for 18–24 h and selective plating for isolation. The four campylobacter isolation methods evaluated included: (1) FSIS method, (2) FDA-BAM method, (3) modified FDA-BAM method, and (4) oxyrase-supplemented Brucella broth enrichment method. Each of the four methods detected campylobacters in over 90% of the chicken carcasses tested. The oxyrase method, however, was found to be more rapid and less labor intensive than the other three methods.
Serum-induced inhibition of isotonic fluid absorption by the kidney proximal tubule. III. Further evidence that complement-mediated cell lysis is involved.

Abstract The results of our previous studies have suggested that serum-induced inhibition of proximal tubular fluid absorption is due to complement-induced lysis of the tubular cells. The present study provides further evidence in support of this idea as well as other information pertinent to the mechanism of complement activation in vivo. 1. 1. The electrical resistance of the luminal brush border membrane is reduced drastically concomitantly with a drop in cell potential difference when serum is perfused intraluminally. 2. 2. Human C1 inhibitor (30–50 units/ml) does not significantly affect the inhibitory activity of human serum on fluid absorption, suggesting the non-involvement of the classical pathway. 3. 3. Reactive lysis reagents (C 5 6, C7, C8 + C9) partially inhibit fluid absorption when infused into the lumen. 4. 4. In contrast to our previous report (Sato, K. and Ullrich, K.J. (1974) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 354, 182–187), very fresh serum, 10-times diluted, can inhibit fluid absorption if perfused for 10 min. 5. 5. Both mouse and guinea pig serum, which are normally inactive, are activated to attack the tubular cells if 1/100 volume rat or rabbit serum is added to them. No such activation occurs by mixing guinea pig serum and mouse serum. The available data suggest that the presence of the later complement components but not the heat-labile factor (Factor B) or C3PA or C1 in the added serum is a prerequisite for mouse and guinea pig sera to be activated to inhibit fluid absorption.
Contextual Trends in Intellectual Development

Abstract I argue that the historical rupture between paradigms and theories rooted in the acontextual processing accounts of classical physics (e.g., Ebbinghaus, 1885/ 1913) and those rooted in contextualist accounts like Bartlett′s (1932) is being bridged by an emerging trend to incorporate elements from both traditions into a unified account of cognitive development. Two such accounts are the Bio-ecological Theory of intellectual development and the Triarchic Theory of intelligence. I draw on these two theories for illustrative examples of what I perceive to be a more general trend among cognitive developmentalists. Both theories are multipronged frameworks for conceptualizing individual differences in intellectual development. In this paper, however, I focus on only one of these prongs, namely, the contextually dependent nature of processing resources. Regardless of the ultimate success of these two theories, I believe that their successors will continue the trend of incorporating context into processing accounts of cognitive growth, thus bridging the paradigms of Ebbinghaus and Bartlett.
Relevance of IgVH gene somatic hypermutation and interphase cytogenetics in lymphomatous presentation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma.

BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are regarded as the same entity, with SLL restricted to tissue cases featuring no leukemic phase. In this study, the authors evaluate a group of SLL cases for cytogenetic abnormalities and IgVH gene mutational status to illicit differences between CLL and SLL. DESIGN IgVH gene polymerase chain reaction amplification and subsequent sequencing were preformed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue of 44 patients (SLL n = 34 or CLL n = 10). Cytogenetic data, CD38, and ZAP-70 expression were also evaluated for these cases. RESULTS The data indicate that 9/34 (26%) SLL cases have somatic hypermutation >2%, which is less than the CLL group where 40% were mutated (4/10). Cytogenetic abnormalities were seen in 58% of the SLL cases with many showing abnormalities associated with favorable to intermediate prognosis. CONCLUSION The authors' attempt to compare CLL with SLL with regards to cytogenetic and IgVH mutational status shows no statistically significant difference.
CT fluoroscopy: novel application for the treatment of ventricular pathologies.

Introduction Recent advances in multidetector CT imaging (MDCT) provide real-time “fluoroscopic-like” capabilities with excellent spatial resolution. MDCT fluoroscopy expands our ability to perform image-guided interventions in anatomically complex locations. Although MDCT fluoroscopy is currently used at our institution for a variety of procedures ranging from spinal nerve blocks to RFA ablation, we believe these same techniques can be used to navigate within the ventricles of the central nervous system to treat conditions requiring placement of intraventricular catheters, depth electrodes, or potentially stents for the relief of CSF outlet obstruction.
AMPLIFIED LASER ABSORPTION: DETECTION OF NITRIC OXIDE

Experimental results are reported for the power loss of a carbon monoxide gas laser due to the absorption of small amounts of nitric oxide placed in an intra-laser-cavity absorption cell. It was found, for the particular experimental conditions employed, that the absorption coefficient of nitric oxide at 1900.04/cm is enhanced more than two orders of magnitude when it is in the intracavity cell. Finally, the experimental results are compared with theoretical calculations.
Uniform priors on convex sets improve risk

Abstract Let X be spherical normal with mean θ lying in a closed convex set C with a non-empty interior and a non-empty complement. For the prior distribution uniform over C , the mean squared error risk of the generalized Bayes estimator is less than or equal to that of X for θ ∈ C . It is equal to that of X if and only if C is a cone, and θ is an apex of the cone.
Protective films of nanophase diamond deposited directly on zinc sulfide infrared optics

Nanophase diamond films can be grown at room temperature with a laser plasma discharge source without the use of any catalyst. This technique produces films that adhere readily to materials for which there are important applications as protective coatings. Described here is a study of the bonding and properties realized with the direct deposition of nanophase diamond on the II-VI compound of zinc sulfide. It was shown that adhesion and mechanical properties of the films can be correlated with the amounts of defects and impurities in the zinc sulfide substrates. In all cases significant interfacial layers caused by the deep penetration of carbon atoms into the substrates were observed. Resistance to wear was estimated with a modified sand blaster, and results indicated that only 1 μm coating of nanophase diamond can increase lifetimes of the zinc sulfide samples by a factor better than 5. Protection afforded by the nanophase diamond under harsh environmental conditions of rain impacts was also described.
Differential Cone Pathway Influence on Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Subtypes

A small subset of ganglion cells in the mammalian retina express the photopigment melanopsin and are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs). These cells are the primary conduits through which photic information is relayed to non-image-forming visual centers that mediate behaviors such as the pupillary light reflex and circadian entrainment. M1 and M2 cells comprise distinct morphological subpopulations of ipRGC, and possess physiological diversity in their intrinsic membrane properties and intrinsic light responses. Additionally, evidence now indicates that all ipRGCs receive photic information from rods/cones via synaptic signaling. It has recently been reported that Off-stratifying M1 cells paradoxically receive input from the On pathway within the Off sublamina of the inner plexiform layer. The purpose of the current study was to examine the functional consequences of cone pathway signaling to M1 and M2 cells. Using pharmacological tools and single-cell recordings of synaptic responses in wild-type and melanopsin-null mice, we found that the On pathway forms the primary excitatory synaptic input to both M1 and M2 cells. This input was much more influential in shaping the light-evoked responses and resting membrane properties of M2 cells than M1 cells. These findings indicate a surprising differential reliance upon cone-mediated phototransduction by ipRGC subpopulations. These findings also suggest that ipRGC subtypes signal diverse photic information to various non-image-forming visual centers.
Catanova for multidimensional contingency tables: ordinal-scale resfqnse

This paper describes an analysis of variance for categorical data (CATANOVA) from multidimensional contingency tables in which the response variable is reported on an ordinal acale. This methodology parallels the recent CATANOVA developlaenta outlined and Landis (1980) for the nominal scale response situation. In this context, the variation of the response expressed in terms of standard weighted sum of. squares utilizing an appropriate set of category-specific scores. In particular, measures of simple, multiple, and partial associ- ation are derived as R2' quantities which are directly analogous to their multiple regression counterparts for continuous data. In addition, appropriate test criteria are described for assessing the statistical significance of these naninal-ordinal association measures. Finally, this CATANOVA procedure is illustrated using the data from a well-known multicenter clinical trial in which the response variable is reported on a three-point severity scale.
Traffic Light: prognosis-based eligibility for clinical trials of hematopoietic SCT in adults with sickle cell anemia

Estimating prognosis in sickle cell anemia (SCA) assumes greater importance as intensive treatments, such as hematopoietic SCT (HSCT), are being tested. Here we estimate the mortality risk from the walk-PHaSST (Sildenafil Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension and Sickle Cell Disease) trial of homozygous SCA patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension (19/468 deaths; 10 centers in the US and UK). Parallel investigations were also undertaken in the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSCCD) and a contemporary urban sickle cell disease population (Case Western Reserve University-University Hospitals (CWRU-UH), Cleveland, OH, USA). One- and two-value positive predictive values for 2-year mortality (from study entry) are calculated using factors that include demographics, laboratory values and clinical evaluations. We define high-, intermediate-, and low-risk SCA as > 15%, 10-15% and 35 years and history of chronic transfusion) do. Either elevated white blood cell count (> 13.5 × 10(3) cells/mcL, 7/70 deaths) or elevated Tricuspid Regurgitant Jet Velocity (⩾ 3.0 m/s, 8/67 deaths) was individually associated with intermediate-risk disease, as were many two-factor combinations. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide > 160 ng/L, lactate dehydrogenase > 600 IU/L, history of chronic transfusion, sepsis or age > 35 years are individually associated with low-risk SCA, as are many two-factor combinations. SCA risk was integrated with estimated donor type-associated risk from HSCT to form 'Traffic Light' eligibility criteria for clinical trials of HSCT. This method is adaptable to evolutions in clinical care.
Country risk and valuation of US‐listed foreign IPOs

Purpose – Many foreign firms have made their initial public offering (IPO) debuts in the USA, without first being listed in their home market. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association of a wide range of country risk measures with the valuation of foreign IPOs.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the law and finance literature, it is hypothesized that IPO firms domiciled in countries with higher country risk are worth less, other things equal. This hypothesis is tested with a sample of international companies making their IPO debuts in the USA between 1986 and 2002.Findings – It is found that several commonly used country‐level variables explain the observed IPO valuation differences across countries. In particular, the index of economic freedom, developed by the Heritage Foundation, and the Transparency International's corruption index have a significant impact on post‐offer IPO valuations. Specifically, IPO firms hailing from countries with more economic freedom and less corruption a...
Influences of a laboratory diet and natural seston on the bioavailability of carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, and malathion to black fly larvae (Diptera: Simuliidae) in an acute toxicity test.

To determine the effects organic food particles can have on insecticide bioavailability, two food types, a laboratory diet and dried, natural seston, were evaluated using black fly larvae, Simulium vittatum Zetterstedt cytospecies IS-7, in a 24-h orbital shaker toxicity test. The bioavailability of all three insecticides was significantly altered when diet concentrations in the flasks were ≥150 mg/L. Chlorpyrifos availability decreased, whereas carbaryl and malathion availability increased. Dried, natural seston had little effect on the bioavailability of these insecticides except in carbaryl-dosed larvae where mortality was significantly increased when seston concentrations were 150 mg/L in the flasks. Differences in insecticide bioavailability between the two food types in these experiments might have been related to the particle size and organic carbon content of the two materials. Laboratory diet particles were significantly smaller (11.7 ± 0.5 μm) and had a significantly greater organic carbon content (26.4%) than the seston particles (30.9 ± 3.3 μm; 1.1%). These results suggest that the concentration, as well as the physical and chemical component of the food source, are important factors in determining the effects of food on insecticide bioavailability in aquatic systems.
A model for erosive burning of homogeneous propellants

We examine the combustion response of a homogeneous solid propellant to an imposed velocity field, as a model for erosive burning. The imposed velocity field has its roots in a multiscale analysis of a planar or cylindrical rocket. We show that for certain realistic choices of the parameters both positive and negative erosion can take place. The underlying mechanism for erosive burning is flame stretch, induced by the imposed velocity field.
Comparison of intensity-modulated radiosurgery with gamma knife radiosurgery for challenging skull base lesions

Abstract Purpose: To quantitatively compare intensity-modulated radiosurgery (IMRS) using 3-mm mini-multileaf collimation with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) plans for irregularly shaped skull base lesions in direct proximity to organs at risk (OAR). Methods and Materials: Ten challenging skull base lesions originally treated with GKRS were selected for comparison with IMRS using inverse treatment planning and 3-mm mini-multileaf collimation operating in step-and-shoot delivery mode. The lesions ranged in volume from 1.6 to 32.2 cm3 and were treated with 9–20 GK isocenters (mean 13.2). The IMRS plans were designed with the intent to, at minimum, match the GKRS plans with regard to OAR sparing and target coverage. For each case, IMRS plans were generated using 9 coplanar, 11 equally spaced noncoplanar, and 11 OAR-avoidant noncoplanar beams; the best of these approaches with respect to target conformality, sparing of OAR, and maintaining coverage was selected for comparison with the original GKRS plan. Results: Assuming no patient motion or setup error, IMRS provided comparable target coverage and sparing of OAR and an improved conformity index at the prescription isodose contour but sometimes less conformity at lower isodose contours compared with the actual GKRS plan. All IMRS plans produced less target dose heterogeneity and shorter estimated treatment times compared with the GKRS plans. Conclusion: Compared with GKRS for complex skull base lesions, IMRS plans using a 3-mm mini-multileaf collimator achieved comparable or sometimes improved target coverage, conformity, and critical structure sparing with shorter estimated treatment times.
Determining topographic shielding from digital elevation models for cosmogenic nuclide analysis: a GIS approach and field validation

Topographic shielding of cosmic radiation flux is a key parameter in using cosmogenic nuclides to determine surface exposure ages or erosion rates. Traditionally, this parameter is measured in the field and uncertainty and/or inconsistency may exist among different investigators. This paper provides an ArcGIS python code to determine topographic shielding factors using digital elevation models (DEMs). This code can be imported into ArcGIS as a geoprocessing tool with a user-friendly graphical interface. The DEM-derived parameters using this method were validated with field measurements in central Tian Shan. Results indicate that DEM-derived shielding factors are consistent with field-measured values. It provides a valuable tool to save fieldwork efforts and has the potential to provide consistent results for different regions in the world to facilitate the comparison of cosmogenic nuclide results.
Radiologic-pathologic conference of Children's Hospital Boston: liver nodules after heart transplantation

We report the case of a 16-year-old boy who presented 1(1)/2 years after heart transplantation with multiple lesions throughout the liver as demonstrated by ultrasonography and CT. Results of analyses revealed features diagnostic for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, which rarely involves the liver.
Precipitation and dissolution of solids attending flow through porous media

A model is developed that calculates the chemical equilibrium that exists between a flowing electrolyte solution and mineral assemblages. The development computes the mineral and aqueous compositions as a function of time and position in a one-dimensional porous medium. The model considers the dissolution of solids as well as their precipitation. The application of the model to various problems has revealed that characteristic aqueous and solid phase concentration waves develop and propagate through the system in a chromatographic manner. Example calculations are presented that illustrate the widespread applicability of the model. Specifically, a calculation is presented that reproduces the genetic mineralization features that are found in sandstone-type uranium deposits.
Relationship Between Exposure to Radon and Various Types of Cancer

Correlations are studied between average radon levels in 1600 U.S. counties and mortality rates in them from various types of cancer. By far the strongest correlation is with lung cancer, but the sign of the correlation is negative. When smoking prevalence is included in a multiple regression, the large negative correlation between radon and lung cancer is essentially unaffected.
Ambivalent Narrations: Pursuing the Political through Traumatic Storytelling

Most of the dissatisfaction among victims, however, has beendirected not at foreign or local businesses, or even at the perpetrators and bene-ficiaries of apartheid violence, but at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission(TRC) and the new South African government that created it. Loudly feted dur-ing its tenure and since as a remarkable moral and political innovation in dealingwith the challenges of post-conflict societies, the TRC process has come underincreasing criticism by victims. In addition to a range of complaints about unfairamnesty decisions, incomplete investigations, and inconsistent internal policies(see Posel and Simpson 2002), victims have charged that the government hasspent the last five years studiously ignoring the TRC’s recommendations for pro-viding reparations.
Effect of a baffle on slosh waves excited by gravity-gradient acceleration in microgravity

The dynamical behavior of fluids affected by an asymmetric gravity-gradient acceleration is studied. The effect of surface tension on rotating fluids, applicable to a partially filled full-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft Dewar tank with and without installing baffle boards, is studied/Results of slosh-wave excitation along the liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity-gradient acceleration are examined. These results indicate that the gravity-gradient acceleration is equivalent to the combined effect of a twisting force and torsional moment acting on the spacecraft. The results are clearly seen from the eccentric contour of a bubble revolving around the axis of a Dewar in a horizontal r-9 plane. As the viscous force across the liquid-solid interface greatly contributes to the damping of slosh-wave excitation, installing baffles in the rotating Dewar is expected to dampen these waves. Results show that the damping effect provided by a baffle reduces the amplitude of slosh-wave excitation and lowers the degree of asymmetry in the liquid-vapor distribution. Computation of bubble (helium vapor) mass-center fluctuations also verifies that rotating a Dewar with baffles installed produces less fluctuation than without the baffles.
Lactation induced by human placental lactogen and cortisone acetate in rabbits.

Lactation in pregnant rabbits was induced with human placental lactogen or cortisone acetate or both. Placental lactogen alone or in combination with cortisone, injected from day 15 to day 19 of gestation, produced striking mammary gland development and milk secretion without disturbing the pregnancy. There was marked synergism between the 2 substances. (Endocrinology 79:, 212, 1966)
Regulated expression of apolipoprotein E by human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

In early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), lipid-containing deposits (drusen) accumulate in Bruch's membrane underlying the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Recent studies indicate that apolipoprotein E (apoE) may play a role in lipid trafficking in AMD. Compared with the apoE3 allele, the apoE4 and apoE2 alleles are associated with decreased and increased risk for AMD, respectively; drusen contain high levels of apoE, and apoE null mice develop lipid deposits in Bruch's membrane similar to those observed in AMD. Primary cultures of human RPE cells expressing the apoE3 allele were grown on Transwell® culture plates. Western blotting, ELISA assay, and mass spectrometry confirmed that apoE3 was secreted into the apical and basal chambers and that secretion was upregulated by thyroid hormone, 9-cis-retinoic acid, and 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol. In addition, basally secreted apoE associated with exogenously added HDL. These results indicate that apoE secretion can be regulated by specific hormones and that apoE associates with HDL. The findings are consistent with a role for apoE in lipid trafficking through Bruch's membrane and may be relevant to AMD.
Anterior pituitary and adrenal cortical hormones accelerate or inhibit tadpole hindlimb growth and development depending on stage of spontaneous development or thyroxine concentration in induced metamorphosis.

The effect of prolactin, growth hormone, and various adrenal corticoids on hindlimb growth, development, and differentiation was studied in Rana pipiens larvae. Experiments were performed at different stages of spontaneous development and during metamorphosis induced in premetamorphic tadpoles by various concentrations of exogenous T4. Prolactin at 10 μg/day inhibited the limb at spontaneous premetamorphosis, had no effect at prometamorphosis or when administered with 3.8 nM T4, and synergized with T4, at 63 nM T4 and above. Growth hormone (10 or 20 μg/day) promoted limb growth and development during premetamorphosis but had no effect on spontaneous or induced metamorphosis thereafter, nor did it stimulate limb epidermal differentiation. The adrenal corticoids inhibited limb growth and epidermal cell proliferation during pre and prometamorphosis but had no effect on limb morphogenesis or differentiation. The depressive effect of corticoids during spontaneous metamorphosis is at least partly through thyroid inhibition since hydrocortisone significantly reduced follicle cell height, lumen diameter, and cell proliferation in the thyroid. During induced metamorphosis, steroids (0.29 μM), especially corticosterone and aldosterone, antagonized the effect of 0.38 to 1.2 nM T4 on the limb. All steroids except deoxycorticosterone synergized with 3.8 nM T4, and at 31 nM T4, approximating the climax level with permeability factors taken into account, all corticoids synergized with T4 to promote limb growth and development. Aldosterone antagonized T4 at a higher T4 level than the other corticoids. The effect of all steroids except corticosterone was also corticoid dose-dependent. The results show the importance of the T4 concentration in interactions of T4 with other hormones and suggest a scheme for hormonal control of limb growth and morphogenesis during metamorphosis. During premetamorphosis growth hormone synergizes with low endogenous T4 to promote initial limb growth and development while prolactin opposes this action. During prometamorphosis, as growth hormone and prolactin become ineffective corticosteroids begin to synergize with the rising level of endogenous T4. At climax, prolactin also augments the action of T4 to bring about rapid hindlimb growth. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Histologic and Biomechanical Evaluation of Biologic Meshes following Colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background Biologic meshes have become increasingly popular for the repair of abdominal wall defects, especially in contaminated sites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic and biomechanical properties of biologic mesh in response to a bacterial encounter. Material and Methods A rat model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and infection of subcutaneously implanted biologic mesh was used. Samples of biologic meshes [acellular human dermis (ADM) and porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS)] were inoculated with P. aeruginosa (10 5 or 10 9 cfu) or saline as a control prior to wound closure ( n = 6 per group). After 10 or 20 d, the meshes were harvested. The recovered meshes were analyzed for histologic changes and bacterial recovery as well as the material strength properties. Statistical significance ( P Results ADM and SIS colonized with 10 9 cfu P. aeruginosa showed an increased inflammatory response with an associated decrease in neo-vascularization ( P P. aeruginosa had no effect on the tensile strength of ADM, but the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were reduced for SIS compared with controls at 20 d. Conclusion Bacterial colonization of ADM and SIS with 10 9 cfu P. aeruginosa negatively effected neovascularization and cellular re-population of the material over time but only SIS showed alterations in their biomechanical properties in response to this gram-negative bacterial challenge.
Spodoptera frugiperda Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus Genome: Physical Maps for Restriction Endonucleases BamHI and HindIII

The physical map for the genome of Spodoptera frugiperda nuclear polyhedrosis virus was constructed for restriction endonucleases BamHI and HindIII. The ordering of the restriction fragments was accomplished by cross-blot hybridization of BamHI, HindIII, and EcoRI fragments. The alignment of the HindIII fragments within the BamHI map was achieved by double digestion with the two restriction endonucleases followed by cross-blot hybridization. The results showed that the viral genome consisted of mainly unique sequences. In addition, the circular nature of the viral genome was reaffirmed.
Enhanced Karnik--Mendel Algorithms

The Karnik-Mendel (KM) algorithms are iterative procedures widely used in fuzzy logic theory. They are known to converge monotonically and superexponentially fast; however, several (usually two to six) iterations are still needed before convergence occurs. Methods to reduce their computational cost are proposed in this paper. Extensive simulations show that, on average, the enhanced KM algorithms can save about two iterations, which corresponds to more than a 39% reduction in computation time. An additional (at least) 23% computational cost can be saved if no sorting of the inputs is needed.
The Phoenix Fire Model for Jet Creation: The Role of Magnetic Fields in the Production and Propagation of Relativistic Jets

Using recent observational and theoretical results, I outline the latest ideas on how relativistic jets are produced by rotating magnetic fields, along with the physical processes that result in the FR I/II dichotomy. Simply put, at the end of the acceleration and collimation phase the now super-magnetosonic jet (the “Phoenix”) passes through a master recollimation shock (the “fire”) and is reborn as a new and more stable collimated MHD flow. Depending on whether the magnetic dissipation in the shock is negligible or substantial, the final jet will be either trans-magnetosonic (a BL Lac/FR I source) or super-(magneto)sonic with a weak magnetic field (an FSRQ/FR II source). Predictions are made about the behavior of additional observational and theoretical studies that can test this hypothesis more completely.