cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical practice guidelines for the use of erythroid-stimulating agents: ASCO, EORTC, NCCN.

Three organizations spent a great amount of time, effort, and money writing clinical practice guidelines for the use of erythroid-stimulating agents (ESAs). The American Society of Hematology and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASH/ASCO) panel was convened by these respective professional societies in the United States and a guideline was written in 2002 [1] and an update was published January 1, 2008 (called the 2007 update) [2]. The European equivalent professional society, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), wrote their original guideline in 2004 and updated their ESA guideline in January 2007 [3].
A Parallel GPU algorithm for mutual information based 3D nonrigid image registration

Many applications in biomedical image analysis require alignment or fusion of images acquired with different devices or at different times. Image registration geometrically aligns images allowing their fusion. Nonrigid techniques are usually required when the images contain anatomical structures of soft tissue. Nonrigid registration algorithms are very time consuming and can take hours for aligning a pair of 3D medical images on commodity workstation PCs. In this paper, we present parallel design and implementation of 3D non-rigid image registration for the Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Existing GPU-based registration implementations are mainly limited to intra-modality registration problems. Our algorithm uses mutual information as the similarity metric and can process images of different modalities. The proposed design takes advantage of highly parallel and multi-threaded architecture of GPU containing large number of processing cores. The paper presents optimization techniques to effectively utilize high memory bandwidth provided by GPU using on-chip shared memory and co-operative memory update by multiple threads. Our results with optimized GPU implementation showed an average performance of 2.46 microseconds per voxel and achieved factor of 28 speedup over a CPU-based serial implementation. This improves the usability of nonrigid registration for some real world clinical applications and enables new ones, especially within intra-operative scenarios, where strict timing constraints apply.
Nonlinear Models of Neural and Genetic Network Dynamics

A categorical and Łukasiewicz-Topos framework for Łukasiewicz LM-Algebraic Logic models of nonlinear dynamics in complex functional systems such as neural networks, genomes and cell interactomes is proposed. Łukasiewicz Algebraic Logic models of genetic networks and signaling pathways in cells are formulated in terms of nonlinear dynamic systems with n-state components that allow for the generalization of previous logical models of both genetic activities and neural networks.
Attribute Vector Guided Groupwise Registration

Groupwise registration has been recently introduced for simultaneous registration of a group of images with the goal of constructing an unbiased atlas. To this end, direct application of information-theoretic entropy measures on image intensity has achieved various successes. However, simplistic voxelwise utilization of image intensity often neglects important contextual information, which can be provided by more comprehensive geometric and statistical features. In this paper, we employ attribute vectors, instead of image intensities, to guide groupwise registration. In particular, for each voxel, the attribute vector is computed from its multiple-scale neighborhoods to capture geometric information at different scales. Moreover, the probability density function (PDF) of each attribute in the vector is then estimated from the local neighborhood, providing a statistical summary of the underlying anatomical structure. For the purpose of registration, Jensen-Shannon (JS) divergence is used to measure the PDF dissimilarity of each attribute at corresponding locations of different individual images. By minimizing the overall JS divergence in the whole image space and estimating the deformation field of each image simultaneously, we can eventually register all images and build an unbiased atlas. Experimental results indicate that our method yields better registration quality, compared with a popular groupwise registration method.
A web usability assessment model and automated toolset

Copy right Idea Grou p Inc . Copy right Idea Grou p Inc . Many organizations are taking advantage of World Wide Web market opportunities through the development of electronic commerce (E-Commerce) web sites. The implementation of an E-Commerce web site, however, doesnt guarantee marketing and financial success. In fact, it could adversely impact the organization when the site is viewed as consumer unfriendly or unusable. An E-Commerce site will be most successful when consumer usability attributes (e.g., performance, design layout, navigation) drive its development. This chapter describes a web usability assessment tool that is being developed to provide usability feedback on a particular web site. The tool incorporates a set of usability attributes with user profile data and organizational goals for ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of a web site.
Abstract 20539: Frailty Assessment in Advanced Heart Failure

Introduction: There is growing literature supporting the significance of frailty in a broad array of cardiovascular diseases. To our knowledge, there are no studies specifically examining the application of frailty assessment to an advanced heart failure population. Methods: Forty consecutive elderly (>65 yrs of age) subjects were enrolled from the heart failure clinic at Montefiore Medical Center, if they had advanced heart failure as defined by: LVEF < 35%, NYHA Class 3 or 4, and a 6 minute walk (6mwt) < 300 meters. At baseline, subjects were assessed for frailty with the Fried Frailty Index, which consists of 5 components: hand grip strength (HGS), 15 meter walk time (WT), weight loss, low physical activity and exhaustion. Each component is assigned a score of 0 or 1 and summed for the total score: 0 = not frail, 1-2 = intermediately frail, ≥3 = frail. Subjects were prospectively followed at 3 month intervals for mortality or heart failure related hospitalizations. Results: Follow-up was available for 38 subjects at a median length of 437 days (range: 12-549). At baseline, the mean age of the cohort was 74±7 yrs, LVEF 27±7%, and 6mwt 189±80m. None of the patients tested were not frail, 32% (12) were intermediately frail, and 68% (26) were frail. More patients in the frail group (N=7) expired during follow up then those in the intermediately frail group (N=1) although this did not reach statistically significance (Figure; 1). Since there was a limited spectrum of frailty in this cohort, HGS and WT were assessed as continuous measures for association with outcomes. Both objective tools demonstrated a strong trend towards mortality (p=0.08). There was no association between the composite or individual score and hospitalizations. Conclusions: In this pilot study of frailty assessment in advanced heart failure, the objective tools of WT and HGS tended to be associated with mortality. These preliminary results warrant further investigation. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Dynamic Analysis of the Slide in the Lower San Fernando Dam during the Earthquake of February 9, 1971

During the San Fernando, California earthquake of February 9, l97l, a major slide occurred in the upstream slope of the Lower San Fernando Dam. Based on data obtained from tests on undisturbed samples, a detailed dynamic analysis of the seismic stability of the embankment is presented. It is concluded that an analysis procedure incorporating: (1) Consideration of the initial static stresses in the embankment: (2) the use of a dynamic finite element analysis procedure to determine the dynamic stresses induced in individual elements of the embankment by the earthquake; (3) the use of cyclic loading triaxial compression test data to determine the response of the soil elements to the induced stresses; and (4) consideration of progressive failure effects provides a satisfactory basis for assessing the stability of the embankment. This type of analysis indicates the development of a zone of liquefaction along the base of the upstream shell that would be sufficiently extensive near the end of the earthquake shaking to lead to a condition of instability.
Generalized pustular psoriasis in childhood: Report of thirteen cases

Generalized pustular psoriasis is rare in children. Less than 100 cases have been reported. We describe 13 children with this type of psoriasis. Seven had acute onset of widespread sterile pustules coalescing into lakes of pus with subsequent exfoliation (the Zumbusch pattern). This usually occurred in infancy and was difficult to control; recurrences developed several times per year. Three had the subacute benign annular pattern. They tended to be older and often had resolution within several years. Three had a mixed pattern with Zumbusch flares preceded by an annular or acral pattern. Most patients had an eruption preceding the generalized pustular psoriasis and often had precipitating factors. Generally, generalized pustular psoriasis has little serious chronic morbidity. The condition in most patients was well controlled with topical therapy. Systemic steroids were not helpful.
Continuous UV monitoring of fluorogenic substrates. I. Kinetic analysis of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidases.

Abstract Determination of the uv absorption spectra of 4-MUF-GlcNAc and 4-MUF showed them to differ significantly at 350 nm. This finding was applied to the enzymatic hydrolysis of fluorogenic 4-MUF-O-substituted substrates with a continuous, spectrophotometric assay procedure. With the use of this automated technique, selected kinetic properties, i.e., Ki, Km, and V, of “purified” liver N-acetyl-β- d -hexosaminidases A and B and of crystalline Jack bean meal hexosaminidase were determined and found to be in close agreement with previousy published data obtained by conventional single point assay methods. The described technique is fast, accurate, and permits instantaneous measurements of the kinetic properties of certain enzymes implicated in a number of genetic disorders.
Filtering and forecasting with misspecified ARCH models I: Getting the right variance with the wrong model

This paper investigates the properties of the conditional covariance estimates generated by a misspecified ARCH model. For example, suppose that we observe a diffusion process at discrete time intervals of length h. For each h, we use a GARCH(1,1) model to estimate the instantaneous conditional covariance matrix of the diffusion. Under mild regularity conditions, the difference between these conditional covariance estimates and the true conditional covariance converges to zero in probability as h↓0. Many other ARCH models (for example, Exponential ARCH) have similar consistency properties. This may well account for the success of ARCH models in short-term forecasting using high-frequency data, since even misspecified ARCH models can produce ‘good’ estimates of volatility.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of Cu2+ and Zn2+ adsorption complexes at the calcite surface: Implications for site-specific metal incorporation preferences during calcite crystal growth

We report results from in situ extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy studies of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes forming at the calcite surface following adsorption from preequilibrated calcite-saturated solutions. Both Cu(II) and Zn(II) coordinate at Ca sites on the calcite surface, forming mononuclear inner-sphere adsorption complexes. The Zn adsorption complexes are in tetrahedral coordination with first-shell O neighbors with RZn-O = 1.95 A, and the Cu complexes are Jahn-Teller distorted, with equatorial RCu-O = 1.95 A. Results from EXAFS data of dilute Cu- and Zn-calcite solid solutions confirm substitution of these metals in the Ca site of the calcite structure as octahedral complexes during coprecipitation. X-ray fluorescence microanalyses of calcite (1014) hillocks grown in coprecipitation experiments show that divalent Cu and Zn, which have ionic radii smaller than Ca, are preferentially incorporated into the parallel arrays of + steps that define one pair of symmetrically equivalent vicinal faces on polygonized growth spirals. In contrast, other divalent metals with sixfold ionic radii smaller than Ca (Co, Cd, Mn, Mg) have been shown to be preferentially incorporated into − growth steps, which define the second pair of vicinal faces on the growth spirals, but which are symmetrically nonequivalent to the steps on the first pair. The distortion from octahedral symmetry observed for the Cu and Zn adsorption complexes likely plays a key role in the observed preference of Cu and Zn for incorporation into the + steps.
Source limitation of carbon gas emissions in high‐elevation mountain streams and lakes

Inland waters are an important component of the global carbon cycle through transport, storage, and direct emissions of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere. Despite predictions of high physical gas exchange rates due to turbulent flows and ubiquitous supersaturation of CO2—and perhaps also CH4—patterns of gas emissions are essentially undocumented for high mountain ecosystems. Much like other headwater networks around the globe, we found that high-elevation streams in Rocky Mountain National Park, USA, were supersaturated with CO2 during the growing season and were net sources to the atmosphere. CO2 concentrations in lakes, on the other hand, tended to be less than atmospheric equilibrium during the open water season. CO2 and CH4 emissions from the aquatic conduit were relatively small compared to many parts of the globe. Irrespective of the physical template for high gas exchange (high k), we found evidence of CO2 source limitation to mountain streams during the growing season, which limits overall CO2 emissions. Our results suggest a reduced importance of aquatic ecosystems for carbon cycling in high-elevation landscapes having limited soil development and high CO2 consumption via mineral weathering.
Pigs, Profits, and Rural Communities

Pigs, Profits, and Rural Communities. Kendall M. Thu and E. Paul Durrenberger. eds. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1998. 20X pp.
The Valuation of Private Firms

Although the metrics used to value private and public firms are the same, there are additional complexities and challenges an analyst faces when valuing private enterprises and their underlying securities. These include determining the standard of value, adjusting reported financial information for valuation purposes, choosing an appropriate valuation model, and calculating the firm's cost of capital. Additional complexity emerges when valuing controlling and minority interests and adjusting these values for lack of liquidity. The magnitude of these liquidity discounts is subject to a good deal of controversy. Keywords: fair value; fair market value (FMV); cost of capital; equity cost of capital; debt cost of capital; weighted average cost of capital; cash flow; free cash flow; asset method; income method; market method; method of comparables; multiples; valuation; goodwill; assets; liabilities; liquidation value; intrinsic value; strategic value; control value; minority value; liquidity discount; marketability discount; equity; debt; derivatives; warrants; options
INTO THE FRONTIERS: THE RELAY SYSTEM AND MING EMPIRE IN THE BORDERLANDS, 1368–1449

AbstractThis article examines the myriad ways the relay system 驛傳 (yichuan) facilitated the movement of the Ming empire into the borderlands. As the early Ming emperors understood, an efficient relay system was vital to the movement of Ming armies into the periphery, the exercise of political authority over Han and non-Han populations, the rituals of diplomatic relations with foreign emissaries, and the routine exercise of bureaucratic power over the borderlands. By the early 1420s, early Ming emperors had used the relay system to spread and consolidate imperial control over the traditional Han territories, incorporate new, fragile areas like Guizhou and Yunnan into the Ming polity, and lead colonial invasions into upland Southeast Asia, throughout Đai Viet, and all the way into the Siberian forests of Nurgan. In the 1430s and 1440s, however, just as the expensive relay system began to experience its own problems, the Ming presence in the borderlands provoked a series of wars in ĐaiViet, Luchuan, and Mong...
Pyridoxine-5′-β-d-Glucoside Influences the Short-Term Metabolic Utilization of Pyridoxine in Rats

This study was conducted to characterize the initial time course of the apparent competitive effect of pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside against co-ingested pyridoxine. Two groups of rats were administered a single oral dose of 100 nmol of [14C]pyridoxine along with either 0 or 20 nmol of unlabeled pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside. At 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-dose, the distribution of labeled vitamin B-6 metabolites in blood, tissues and urine was determined. Urinary [14C]4-pyridoxic acid comprised a significantly greater percentage of excreted 14C in the control group, with the greatest difference at 12 h post-dose. Pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside (10-15 nmol) was excreted mainly in unchanged form within 6 h. Rats that received pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside retained less 14C in liver, with a maximal difference between groups at 6-12 h post-dose. The relative concentrations of hepatic [14C]pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and [14C]pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate in the treatment group were greater than in the control group at approximately 12 h post-dose. At 48 h post-dose, there was no difference in the distribution of any vitamin B-6 metabolite except pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in the two groups. These results confirm that a small, nutritionally relevant dose of pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside influences the utilization of pyridoxine and indicate that this is a short-term, transient effect.
The Effect of Heat on Milk as a Culture Medium for Lactic Acid Bacteria

Summary Six of eight species of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria tested grew much better in milk heated at 115° C. for 15 min. than in milk heated to 80° C. for 10 min. The evidence indicates that milk is deficient in readily available nitrogen sources for these organisms and that the improved growth in autoclaved milk was the result of partial hydrolysis of the casein. In addition to the beneficial effect of heating, a deleterious action was demonstrable if the milk was grossly overheated.
Differences in Obesity Among Men of Diverse Racial and Ethnic Background

Racial/ethnic disparities exist in obesity prevalence among men, with Hispanic men exhibiting the highest prevalence compared with non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black men. Most studies do not parse out Hispanic groups; therefore, it is unclear whether the increases in obesity rates among Hispanic men applies to all groups or if there are particular groups of Hispanic men that are driving the increase. The goal of this study is to examine the variations in obesity among men of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and determine if obesity is affected by nativity. The data used in this study were from 11 years (2002-2012) of the National Health Interview Survey. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity, obesity, and nativity. After adjusting for covariates, there are differences in obesity prevalence, with the largest prevalence among Puerto Rican men and Mexican American men. Consistent with previous literature, it has been suggested that men born in the United States are more likely to be obese than men born outside the United States. This study underscores the importance of distinguishing Hispanic groups when examining obesity, and provides information for future, targeted intervention strategies related to obesity among high-risk groups.
Automatic Filter Method in Spectrophotometry

A filter method of radiometry has been developed which gives a relatively high degree of accuracy and spectral resolution. A set of 34 interference filters covering the range 2800 A-27 000 A is used. All stages of data reduction are handled automatically by a computer and the final results are presented as a spectral radiance curve. The relative advantages of the automatic filter method and its range of applicability are discussed.
Model reduction and robust control of smart structures with parametric uncertainties

The actively controlled smart structures should have robust stability and robust performance when structural parameters vary in a reasonable range. In this paper, the parametric uncertainty is defined in a framework of quadratic inequality constraint. This representation of uncertainty can effectively reduce the conservatism. A generalized balanced truncation method for continuous uncertain system represented by linear fractional transformation is presented. The model reduction method can keep the uncertainty information of the full order system in the reduced order model for robust controller design. Linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions are given for designing a robust output feedback controller to assign the poles of closed-loop uncertain system in a constrained conic sector subregion under the input limits and unmodeled dynamics. The proposed method is demonstrated using an experimental smart structure system.
Very early stages of δ′ precipitation in a binary Al-11.4 at.% Li alloy

Abstract A study of the early stages of δ′ phase formation in a binary Al-3.2 wt% Li (11.4 at.% Li) alloy was performed by X-ray diffuse scattering experiments. The study was conducted on single crystal samples of the alloy in the as-quenched state and after short isothermal aging treatments at 433 K. Absolute intensity measurements yield a 12 vol.% precipitate in the as-quenched condition and the amount increases with aging. Short range order parameters and the average atomic displacements were determined. Values of the displacements are not significantly different from zero. Calculated short range order parameters indicate that the δ′ phase has a very high degree of order even in the as-quenched state. The data is consistent with a randomly ordered matrix with fully ordered precipitates having a size distribution previously determined for latter stages. Analysis of the early stages of decomposition for the aging conditions chosen is entirely consistent with a classical nucleation and growth process.
Validation of semi-automatic segmentation of the left atrium

Catheter ablation therapy has become increasingly popular for the treatment of left atrial fibrillation. The effect of this treatment on left atrial morphology, however, has not yet been completely quantified. Initial studies have indicated a decrease in left atrial size with a concomitant decrease in pulmonary vein diameter. In order to effectively study if catheter based therapies affect left atrial geometry, robust segmentations with minimal user interaction are required. In this work, we validate a method to semi-automatically segment the left atrium from computed-tomography scans. The first step of the technique utilizes seeded region growing to extract the entire blood pool including the four chambers of the heart, the pulmonary veins, aorta, superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and other surrounding structures. Next, the left atrium and pulmonary veins are separated from the rest of the blood pool using an algorithm that searches for thin connections between user defined points in the volumetric data or on a surface rendering. Finally, pulmonary veins are separated from the left atrium using a three dimensional tracing tool. A single user segmented three datasets three times using both the semi-automatic technique as well as manual tracing. The user interaction time for the semi-automatic technique was approximately forty-five minutes per dataset and the manual tracing required between four and eight hours per dataset depending on the number of slices. A truth model was generated using a simple voting scheme on the repeated manual segmentations. A second user segmented each of the nine datasets using the semi-automatic technique only. Several metrics were computed to assess the agreement between the semi-automatic technique and the truth model including percent differences in left atrial volume, DICE overlap, and mean distance between the boundaries of the segmented left atria. Overall, the semi-automatic approach was demonstrated to be repeatable within and between raters, and accurate when compared to the truth model. Finally, we generated a visualization to assess the spatial variability in the segmentation errors between the semi-automatic approach and the truth model. The visualization demonstrates the highest errors occur at the boundaries between the left atium and pulmonary veins as well as the left atrium and left atrial appendage. In conclusion, we describe a semi-automatic approach for left atrial segmentation that demonstrates repeatability and accuracy, with the advantage of significant time reduction in user interaction time.
Preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of human salivary cystatin

Human salivary cystatin, a thiol proteinase inhibitor, has been implicated in potential antimicrobial and antiviral functions of saliva. A variant of human salivary cystatin SN expressed and purified in an Escherichia coli expression system lacking residues 12–16 near the N-terminus (Δ12–16) has been crystallized by the vapor-diffusion technique. The crystals are of the hexagonal space group P622 and have cell constants of a = 85.41, b = 85.41, c = 131.6 A, α = β = 90, γ = 120°, and contain two molecules of molecular weight 13 500 per asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract up to a resolution of 2.2 A and are suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis.
Agricultural settlement and soil quality in the Brazilian Amazon.

This paper discusses the implications of poor or non-existent information on soil quality, at the proper scale, during the planning and implementation of settlement projects in the Brazilian Amazon. Based on data from the Machadinho settlement project, Rondonia, we show that most settlers had no knowledge about the agricultural capability of the area, did not receive technical information, could not afford agricultural inputs, planted inadequate crops in the early years of occupation, and did not manage to stay in their plot for a long period of time. Satellite images indicated that patches of land with good soil quality were not necessarily the first to be utilized. Inadequately planned settlements face many challenges (poor soil being one of them) and are likely to result in land turnover, conversion of land into pasture, land concentration among wealthier persons, invasion of areas by poorer people, and deforestation, defying the main purpose of agrarian reform.
The optical distortion mechanism in a nearly incompressible free shear layer

The aero-optical distortions caused by compressible flows have been used by researchers for flow diagnostics and accepted by designers of airborne optical systems as a performance penalty. In order to estimate these distortions, an understanding of the optical distortion mechanism is required. This article examines the mechanisms which produce a variable-density field (and accompanying index-of-refraction field) in a nearly incompressible shear-layer flow. The two-dimensional-shear-layer velocity field was approximated using a discrete vortex model. From this ‘known’ velocity field, the pressure and density fields were determined by iteratively solving the unsteady Euler equations. The resulting index-of-refraction field produced simulated schlieren images which closely resemble experimental schlierens. Optical wavefronts computed from the simulation reasonably match the behaviour of large-scale aberrations measured in a transonic wind tunnel. Small-scale distortions in the experimental data may have been caused by boundary layers on the splitter plate and tunnel walls or by three-dimensional effects that were not simulated.
Effects of carrier confinement by InGaAs/GaAs heterointerface barrier on deep trap concentration profiling

Carrier confinement by the conduction-band barrier formed by the band discontinuity Delta E/sub c/ has been observed in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)-grown In/sub 0.1/Ga/sub 0.9/As/GaAs heterostructures as evidenced by the decrease of DLTS (deep level transient spectroscopy) peak height with increased filling pulse amplitude in a fixed-reverse-bias variable-filling-pulse DLTS study. A DLTS model including the Delta E/sub c/ effects on trap profiling is developed by considering conduction-band barrier as a giant deep trap with an electron emission rate depending exponentially on Delta E/sub c/. The model explains quantitatively the experimental observations of the effects of Delta E/sub c/ in the DLTS study and shows that an erroneous trap concentration profile may result from the conduction-band barrier if the standard DLTS model is used. It is shown that a 0.16-eV+or-0.01-eV electron trap reported to be located only at the heterointerface of In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As/InP may actually be a deep-trap characteristic of InGaAs with a fairly uniform trap concentration throughout the InGaAs epilayer. >
EVOLUTIONARY THEORIES OF MORALITY AND THE MANIPULATIVE USE OF SIGNALS

Several attempts have recently been made to explain moral systems and moral sentiments in light of evolutionary biological theory. It may be helpful to modify and extend this project with the help of a theory of communication developed by ethologists. The core of this approach is the idea that signals are best seen as attempts to manipulate others rather than as attempts to inform them. This addition helps to clarify some problematic areas in the evolutionary study of morals, and it generates new, testable predictions about moral statements.
Shared governance and the sustainable college

Purpose – This project aims to examine interpersonal interactions at the committee level that lead to shared governance of a college's environmental responsibilities. It demonstrates the important role shared governance plays in integrating sustainability into a liberal arts college. Design/methodology/approach – This paper combines participant observation and case study techniques. From September 2010 to October 2012, the author participated in 46 meetings and conducted 14 interviews with key informants. Findings – Key challenges to efficiency and effectiveness of the shared governance process differ depending on whether the committee was involved in visioning or validation work. Key drivers included mid-level leadership, a commitment to the mandate, and a willingness to engage in an ongoing process of shared understanding. Research limitations/implications – This study's findings are limited insofar as inaccuracies may arise due to respondents' poor recall, the interviewer's questions, if the interviewe...
Embodiment and embedment: integrating dance/movement therapy, body psychotherapy, and ecopsychology

This article presents a vision of an emergent ecosomatic psychology that integrates somatic psychology's theories and practices of embodiment with ecopsychology's insights about embedment. Branches within somatic psychology, dance/movement therapy, and body psychotherapy have honed therapeutic practices for embodying the self, engaging in embodied relationships, and opening up to possibilities of transpersonal experiences through the body and movement. Incorporating ecopsychology's emphasis on the development of an ecological identity, inspired by systems and relational views of health, and drawing from theories of participatory consciousness and reciprocity, an integrative framework of embodied embedment practices are proposed for developing an embodied ecological self.
Electronic spectra of H and OH adducts to benzene

Abstract Hydrogen and hydroxyl radical adducts to benzene are intermediates in its oxidative degradation. Their presence can be detected by a UV absorption near 310 nm. However, ab initio calculations of the 1,4-cyclohexadienyl structure for the ground state in both adducts suggests the likelihood of an additional absorption in the visible. Calculations indicate that the observed absorption is to the second excited state. Absorption to the first excited state is calculated to have a much smaller oscillator strength than the observed second excited state. The predicted spectra of the H and OH adducts are similar.
Cell, Isoform, and Environment Factors Shape Gradients and Modulate Chemotaxis

Chemokine gradient formation requires multiple processes that include ligand secretion and diffusion, receptor binding and internalization, and immobilization of ligand to surfaces. To understand how these events dynamically shape gradients and influence ensuing cell chemotaxis, we built a multi-scale hybrid agent-based model linking gradient formation, cell responses, and receptor-level information. The CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling axis is highly implicated in metastasis of many cancers. We model CXCL12 gradient formation as it is impacted by CXCR4 and CXCR7, with particular focus on the three most highly expressed isoforms of CXCL12. We trained and validated our model using data from an in vitro microfluidic source-sink device. Our simulations demonstrate how isoform differences on the molecular level affect gradient formation and cell responses. We determine that ligand properties specific to CXCL12 isoforms (binding to the migration surface and to CXCR4) significantly impact migration and explain differences in in vitro chemotaxis data. We extend our model to analyze CXCL12 gradient formation in a tumor environment and find that short distance, steep gradients characteristic of the CXCL12-γ isoform are effective at driving chemotaxis. We highlight the importance of CXCL12-γ in cancer cell migration: its high effective affinity for both extracellular surface sites and CXCR4 strongly promote CXCR4+ cell migration. CXCL12-γ is also more difficult to inhibit, and we predict that co-inhibition of CXCR4 and CXCR7 is necessary to effectively hinder CXCL12-γ-induced migration. These findings support the growing importance of understanding differences in protein isoforms, and in particular their implications for cancer treatment.
Dissociative Experiences in Partner-Assaultive Men

Dissociative experiences, dissociative symptoms, and violence-specific dissociation (dissociative experiences that occur during the perpetration of domestic violence) were evaluated in a sample of 47 domestic abuse perpetrators. As predicted, childhood trauma (physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnessed abuse) was correlated with a range of dissociative experiences and symptoms in this population. General measures of dissociative experiences and symptoms were correlated with reports of violence-specific dissociation. General dissociation and violence-specific dissociation also had significant correlations with the frequency and severity of domestic violence perpetration. The findings suggest that dissociative coping mechanisms may play an important role in the etiology of severe domestic violence, further supporting the need for treatment strategies that ameliorate long-term effects of childhood trauma exposure in this population.
Saving the Planet with Systems Research: Conference Keynote

The computing industry has become so successful that almost every economic sector benefits from its advances, while also being impacted by its costs. The energy footprint of computers is one such cost. The dramatic growth of computer deployments, both in personal devices and servers, has made the energy usage of computers an increasing percentage of the world's electricity budget. In data center installations, energy-related costs are rising as a fraction of total expenses. Either of these trends left unchecked has the potential to hurt our industry, our economy or our planet. In this talk I will discuss these trends, focusing on large data centers, and argue that systems researchers have a pivotal role to play in solving these problems.Luiz Andre Barroso is a Distinguished Engineer at Google, where he has worked across several engineering areas, ranging from applications and software infrastructure to the design of Google's computing platform. Prior to working at Google, he was a member of the research staff at Compaq and Digital Equipment Corporation, where his group did some of the pioneering work on computer architectures for commercial workloads. That work included the design of Piranha, a system based on an aggressive chip-multiprocessing, which helped inspire some of the multi-core CPUs that are now in the mainstream. Luiz has a Ph.D. degree in computer engineering from the University of Southern California and B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the Pontificia Universidade Catolica, Rio de Janeiro
Coaching a simulated soccer team by opponent model recognition

In multiagent domains with adversarial and cooperative agents, team agents should be adaptive to the current environment and opponent. We introduce an online method to provide the agents with team plans that a “coach” agent generates in response to the specific opponents. The coach agent is equipped with a number of pre-defined opponent models. The coach is then able to quickly select between different models online by using a naive Bayes style algorithm, making the planning adaptive to the current adversary. The coach uses a Simple Temporal Network to represent team plans as coordinated movements among the multiple agents and it searches for an opponent-dependent plan for its teammates. This plan is then communicated to the agents, who execute the plan in a distributed fashion. The system is fully implemented in a simulated robotic soccer domain.
Heparin necrosis: An anticoagulant-induced cutaneous infarct

A rare complication of subcutaneous heparin therapy is reported in a 75-year-old man. Large erythematous tender plaques developed in the skin overlying the injection sites. In one area o£ the abdomen, frank necrosis occurred with subsequent eschar formation. Skin testing with five brands of heparin revealed that the patient had a delayed type of hypersensitivity to heparin. In contrast to coumarin necrosis, heparin necrosis is felt to be a thrombotic phenomenon resulting from immunologically induced platelet aggregation in heparin-sensitive patients. Thrombocytopenia is usually present. The diagnosis can be confirmed by platelet aggregometry and calls for immediate cessation of the heparin injections.
Revised species definitions and nomenclature of the rose colored Cithaerias butterflies (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

This study provides updated species definitions for five rose-colored Cithaerias butterflies, starting with a historical overview of their taxonomy. Given their mostly transparent wings, genitalia morphology yielded the most reliable characters for species definition and identification. Genitalic divergence is more pronounced when multiple species occur in sympatry than between parapatric taxa. Cithaerias aurorina is granted full species status, C. cliftoni is reinstated as a full species, and one new combination is proposed, i.e. C. aurora tambopata . Two new synonyms are proposed, Callitaera phantoma and Callitaera aura = Cithaerias aurora .
Contribution of platelet thromboxane production to enhanced urinary excretion and glomerular production of thromboxane and to the pathogenesis of albuminuria in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat.

Previous studies have demonstrated that urinary thromboxane B2 (TXB2) excretion (UTXB2) and glomerular production of TXB2 are enhanced in experimental diabetes and that selective inhibitors of TX synthesis prevent or delay the development of albuminuria. The present study was conducted to examine the contribution of platelet TXB2 production to the enhancement of UTXB2 and glomerular TXB2 production and to the pathogenesis of albuminuria in the partially insulin-treated moderately hyperglycemic (blood glucose, 200 to 400 mg/dL) streptozotocin-diabetic rat (SDR). Treatment of control rats or of SDR with diabetes of 5 months' duration with antiplatelet serum for 4 consecutive days reduced circulating platelet counts and serum TXB2 generation, an index of platelet cyclooxygenase activity, by 80% or greater, but reduced UTXB2 excretion by only 30%. UTXB2 and glomerular production of TXB2 of thrombocytopenic SDR remained markedly elevated compared with corresponding values from age-matched thrombocytopenic or platelet-replete, nondiabetic controls. Similarly, treatment of rats for 180 days with a dose of aspirin (ASA), which selectively inhibited platelet versus renal cyclooxygenase activity, reduced UTXB2 of both SDR and controls by 25% to 35%. The absolute reductions in UTXB2 induced by either ASA or thrombocytopenia in SDR were significantly greater than the absolute decrements in corresponding controls, suggesting that increased platelet TXB2 production in SDR may contribute to the enhanced UTXB2. However, as in the thrombocytopenic SDR, UTXB2 and glomerular production of TXB2 of SDR treated with ASA remained clearly above corresponding control values. Moreover, chronic ASA treatment failed to prevent the development of albuminuria in SDR. By contrast, 4′ (imidazol-1-yl) acetophenone, a selective inhibitor of TX synthesis given for 180 days at a dose that suppressed both platelet and glomerular TXB2 production, prevented the development of albuminuria in SDR. The results indicate that platelets are not the major cellular source of increased UTXB2 or glomerular TXB2 generation in SDR and that selective inhibition of platelet TXB2 production does not prevent the development of albuminuria in this model. A pathogenetic role for local glomerular TX synthesis is suggested by the differential effects of ASA versus a TX synthetase inhibitor on glomerular TX production and on the development of albuminuria in SDR.
Magnitude, Duration, Quality, and Function of Pneumococcal Vaccine Responses in Elderly Adults

The suboptimal efficacy of the currently available 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine in the growing population of adults >65 years old may be related to the limited immunogenicity of the vaccine polysaccharides in this group. In this study, the majority of elderly outpatients with stable chronic illnesses generated a vigorous IgG response to seven vaccine serotypes comparable to that of healthy young adults at 1, 3, and 16 months after immunization. Moreover, the quality and function of anticapsular antibodies, measured as avidity and in vitro opsonization, were comparable between elderly and young subjects over time. However, a subset (approximately 20%) of elderly outpatients responded to fewer than two of seven serotypes tested 1 and 3 months after immunization, whereas none of the healthy young adults were such poor responders. Thus, despite the adequate mean immune responses of the elderly as a group, a substantial proportion of elderly persons may have poor responses to the currently available pneumococcal vaccine.
Weight changes in a couples program: negative association of marital adjustment.

Abstract This study investigated the difference in weight changes of subjects who rated their marriages as more adjusted vs subjects who rated their marriages as less adjusted. Twenty-six moderately obese subjects were assigned to one of two groups based on their initial scores on the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale (MAS). The 10 subjects in the “moderately unhappy” group (MAS ⩽ 99) lost significantly more weight than the 16 subjects in the “relatively happy” group (MAS ⩾ 100) at the end of the one-year treatment program (29.9 lb vs 20.4 lb) and at 3-month follow-up (27.7 lb vs 17.8 lb). Significantly more subjects in the unhappy group also reached ideal weight than subjects in the happy group (50% vs 7.7%). Subjects' initial MAS scores were significantly and negatively correlated with weight changes at post-treatment and follow-up: partners' MAS scores at the end of treatment were also significantly and negatively correlated to subjects' weight losses at post-treatment. None of the couples was initially maritally distressed but one couple met this criterion (MAS ⩽ 85) by the end of treatment and follow-up. It was concluded that marital counseling is not a pre-requisite for weight counseling, couples' marital adjustment does not improve as the subject loses weight and a moderate level of marital dissatisfaction does not seem to be an insurmountable barrier to successful weight loss and may be an advantage for some individuals.
Recent progress in short-range ultraviolet communication

This paper describes recent advances in the technology for, and implementation of, short-range optical communication links. The approach relies on molecular scattering of ultraviolet wavelengths by the atmosphere to achieve non-line-of-sight, omni-directional communication links. The same technology is also shown to be attractive for certain classes of line-of-sight links. A UV communication testbed implementation is described that is unique, employing research-grade semiconductor sources emitting in the solar-blind region of the UV spectrum, around 275nm. This paper extends previously reported field measurements to longer ranges and to a wider variety of application scenarios, including operation under tree canopy and operation in short-range quasi-line-of-sight links. Field measurements of atmospheric extinction at 275nm are reported and incorporated in a single-scatter propagation model to predict performance of line-of-sight links. Application of UV communication to foliage penetration uplinks is described, and performance is quantified through field measurements.
Technological cultures and liberal democracy in the United States

This article argues that “technologies of culture” influence citizens’ conceptions of the American state. The technology of modernism (which lasted into the 1960s) educated citizens to manipulate m...
A combinatorial decomposition of simplicial complexes

We find a decomposition of simplicial complexes that implies and sharpens the characterization (due to Bjorner and Kalai) of thef-vector and Betti numbers of a simplicial complex. It generalizes a result of Stanley, who proved the acyclic case, and settles a conjecture of Stanley and Kalai.
The effect of fetal hypophysectomy and fetal death in gilts with small litters on concentrations of relaxin, progesterone and estradiol-17β

Abstract During late pregnancy concentrations of relaxin, progesterone (P) and estradiol-17β (E) in maternal plasma were measured in gilts with small litters of intact, hypophysectomized, partially hypophysectomized or dead fetuses and in gilts with litters of normal fetuses and numbers. To achieve a small litter size at parturition all but one or two fetuses were killed at surgery at Day 30 to 40 of gestation. Fetal hypophysectomy or sham procedures were attempted on Day 90 to 95. Gestation was prolonged in gilts carrying hypophysectomized or partially hypophysectomized fetuses (P