cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hallucinations That Comfort: Contextual Mediation of Deathbed Visions:

A sample of 49 accounts of deathbed visions from Barrett's 1926 classic collection were analyzed using the classification scheme for contextual variables proposed recently by Lange, Houran, Harte, and Havens. Consistent with previous research, the contents of the contextual variables operating during these deathbed visions were consistent with the contents of the percipients' experiences. In addition, contextual variables were related to the modalities of the experience, e.g., visual, auditory, and sensed presences, as well as the number of contents, e.g., deceased relatives, angelic beings, and the perception of symbolic borders or limits including water and heavenly gates, as perceived during the dying process. These findings are consistent with the interpretation that deathbed visions are comforting hallucinations and that contextual variables serve to structure these otherwise ambiguous experiences.
Dose Intensified Molecular Targeted Radiotherapy for Cancer—Lymphoma as a Paradigm

Although most patients with locoregional cancer are cured by surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and combinations thereof, those with distant metastases are not despite systemic chemotherapy. These patients respond to local radiotherapy but generally need systemic therapy. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) provides a paradigm for the role of molecular targeted radiotherapy (MTRT) because these patients have multifocal disease in most cases. Although patients with NHL achieve remissions after multiple cycles of chemotherapy, less than one half of those with aggressive NHL are cured and almost none of those with low grade NHL. Furthermore, NHL, like other cancers, becomes chemoresistant, yet remains responsive to radiotherapy. MTRT, radiation targeted by molecules, is a good strategy for the treatment of multifocal and radiosensitive cancers. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is an MTRT approach using MAbs, or parts thereof, to target the radionuclide that delivers radiation. Two anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), one labeled with 111 In for imaging or 90 Y for therapy and a second labeled with 131 I for imaging and therapy, have proven effective and safe for MTRT for NHL patients. The importance of the radiation is demonstrated in the data from the randomized pivotal trial of 90 Y-ibritumomab; response rates were distinctly better in the 90 Y-ibritumomab arm than in the rituximab arm. Furthermore, the efficacy of 131 I-tositumomab was greater than that of the same MAb alone in another pivotal trial. Although hematologic toxicity is dose limiting for MTRT, febrile neutropenia is uncommon. MTRT is also not associated with mucositis, hair loss, or persistent nausea or vomiting, unlike chemotherapy. Randomized trials of MTRT in different strategies have not been conducted, but there is evidence of better outcomes, particularly for strategies that provide dose intensification, such as pretargeted MTRT, multiple dosing ("fractionation"), and MTRT with stem cell transplantation (SCT). Pretargeted RIT separates delivery of the targeting molecule from radionuclide delivery, provides dose escalation, and is more effective than direct one-step RIT, although more complicated to implement. Improved drugs and strategies for MTRT have documented potential for better patient outcomes. Smaller radionuclide carriers, such as those used for pretargeted MTRT, should be incorporated into the management of patients with NHL and other cancers soon after the patients have proven incurable. Expected improvements using better drugs, strategies, and combinations with other drugs seem likely to make MTRT integral in the management of many patients with cancer and likely to lead to cures of NHL.
Optical and electrochemical properties of sol-gel spin-coated CeO 2 -TiO 2 films

The optical and electrochemical properties of sol-gel spin coated CeO2-TiO2 (50% CeO2) films were investigated for electrochromic applications. The coating solutions were prepared by using mixed organic-inorganic [Ti(OC2H5)4 and Ce(NH4)2 (NO3)6] precursors. X-ray diffraction studies showed the sol-gel spin- coated films were composed of an amorphous matrix of titanium oxide containing nanocrystallites of cerium oxide. The coating solar transmission value was Ts equals 0.8 (250 nm thick). The refractive index and the extinction coefficient were derived from transmittance measurements in the UV-VIS-NIR regions. These films had refractive index value of n equals 2.18 and extinction coefficient value of k equals 8 X 10-4 at (lambda) equals 550 nm. Cyclic voltametric measurements showed reversible electrochemical insertion of lithium ions in a CeO2-TiO2/LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrochemical cell. During cycling the films maintain high optical transmittance. Spectrophotometric and electrochemical investigations performed on CeO2-TiO2 films revealed that these films are suitable as an optically passive counter-electrode in lithium electrochromic devices.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of Insulating Specimens by SIMS Using Extreme Sample Bias Shift Method.

This paper reports on the extreme sample bias shift (ESBS) method for the analysis of insulating specimens in SIMS. The change of surface potential on the specimen caused by charge buildup was effectively compensated by providing the extremely high sample bias in case of oxygen negative primary ion bombardment and positive secondary ion detection. We precisely studied the influence of the analytical point on the sample upon the secondary ion intensities and energy distributions. Furthermore, spectral interference and reproducibility of secondary ion intensity ratios were discussed for quantitive analysis. It was found that at the center of the sample, the maximum and stable secondary ion intensities were obtained and a 90 V offset of the sample bias offered the reasonable compromise between analytical sensitivity and reproducibility with the effective suppression of spectral interference. The ESBS method allows the high sensitive analysis of insulating specimens without both any special sample pretreatment and costly modification of the SIMS instrument.
Soil Fertility, Soil Exhaustion, and their Historical Significance

I. Alleged danger of soil exhaustion. — Relation of this belief to the humus theory and the system of statics, 386. — Formulation of the mineral theory the work of Liebig, 387. — Discrepancies between his principles and the results of experimental work, 388. — Liebig's principles and the modern doctrine of soil exhaustion, 390. — II. Computations of the durability of average soils, 391. — Qualifications necessary to adapt these figures to the crop yields of low farming, 394. — The importance of the returns of nutritive substances made in low farming, 396. — III. Liebig's insistence upon complete replacement of the minerals removed in the crop, 399. — Recent concepts of the fertility program, 401. — Evidences of undiminished yields despite some progressive depletion of minerals, 403. — Presumptions created by recent studies of the soil solution, 404. — Declines in yield due to decreasing supplies of nitrogen, 406. — Replacement of nitrogen by natural processes, 407. — The need of lime on acid soils, 408. — Conclusions, 410.
AIPS++ and the GBT: a layered approach to processing and analysis of single-dish data

The Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is a new 100-m diameter antenna with an unblocked aperture and an active surface. It is designed to observe at frequencies from 300 MHz to 100 GHz, and includes state of the art continuum and spectral backends. The GBT is also capable of pulsar work and recording as a VLB station, and array receivers are being developed as well. AIPS++ is the integral software package for analysis of GBT data both for scientific analysis as well as for control and engineering analysis of the component systems. In this paper we will give an overview of how the AIPS++ system is used with the GBT, with special consideration to the development of spectral analysis software. AIPS++ allows a layered approach to software development, and the spectral analysis capability gives a strong example of the usefulness of the layered approach. At the heart of AIPS++ is a suite of tools which are capable of astronomy-specific calculations as well as general purpose mathematical analysis, data visualization, GUI development, and scripting. A tool for analyzing single-dish data, DISH, is developed on this platform. DISH includes a number of modern features such as bulk processing of datasets and versatile GUI interaction. A simplified package using a familiar CLI, known as UNI-jr, is built on DISH and is available as an easy to learn path for processing scan-based data. Finally, the Interim Automated Reduction and Display System (IARDS) is built on UNI-jr and provides an automated reduction package and pseudo real-time display.
Frederick Campion Steward. 16 June 1904-13 September 1993

To document and analyse objectively F.C. Steward's influence on the course of plant physiology is a task too great to be undertaken here. A detailed analysis would amount to a critical history of modem plant physiology. As Steward said of F.F. Blackman, F. R. S., in a memorial published in 1947 ‘To appraise the work and influence of F.F. Blackman one must look beyond the papers which bear his name, important as those were and are.’ Indeed, in a notice of a Festschrift published on the occasion of Steward’s retirement from Cornell University, a reviewer who knew him well aptly noted that ‘it is not so much the reviews themselves which form the real tribute to F.C. Steward as the fact that it was appropriate to invite experts in five different areas of plant physiology in order to cover the fields which Steward himself has covered and often led’. He later said that it would be difficult to imagine what contemporary plant physiology would be like had F.C. Steward not lived. It is easy to argue that Steward’s greatest contribution to plant physiology was that as a result of the scope and magnitude of his research, writings and lecturing activities, and his classroom teaching, he was able to create and sustain for half a century, a broad, highly personalized and extremely attractive context for the study of plant growth and development. Steward went far toward pulling the subject together in a comprehensible modem context, giving it historical continuity, while helping push it into the twentieth century through his unique research style and many contributions. He gave the field considerable glamour through his pioneering research, dynamic lecturing and literate, even graceful prose.
Imported malaria in the 1990s. A report of 59 cases from Houston, Tex.

Objective To determine the frequency, the clinical features, and the response to therapy of imported malaria that was diagnosed in the 1990s in a major North American city. Method A retrospective case series from Houston, Tex, of 59 cases of imported malaria presenting between January 1990 and April 1993. Results Malaria was diagnosed in 59 patients, consisting of 12 cases among patients who had acquired the infection while they were living in endemic areas prior to immigration to the United States, 32 cases among US residents who were originally from endemic areas, and 15 cases among patients originally from North America or Europe. Only 12 patients had received malarial prophylaxis: eight with chloroquine, one with chloroquine and chloroguanide (proguanil), two with chloroquine and primaquine, and one with mefloquine taken intermittently. Eight presented with Plasmodium falciparum infection after receiving chloroquine, and one, after receiving chloroquine and chloroguanide. Two presented with malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax despite receiving chloroquine and primaquine as prophylaxis. In 25 cases, malaria was not considered as an initial diagnosis. Five patients presented with severe disease (three with severe hemolysis, two each with cerebral malaria and renal failure, and one with adult respiratory distress syndrome). Four of the five had initially received a misdiagnosis. Two patients died despite treatment with intravenous quinidine and exchange transfusions. Two patients with P vivax infection had multiple relapses despite courses of chloroquine and primaquine. Six patients were pregnant (including one with a fatal case), one congenital infection was identified. Six patients had not traveled outside of the United States in over 1 year. Conclusion Imported malaria occurs frequently and usually results from the failure to use appropriate prophylaxis. Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are common. Severe disease and fatal cases continue to be seen despite aggressive treatment. Drug resistance has continued to spread and now occurs with P vivax as well as P falciparum.
TABLET ACCEPTANCE BY A DOUBLE SAMPLING PLAN.

A double sampling plan for tablet acceptance is presented and analyzed. The answers to three fundamental questions are presented: ( a ) How will the plan operate with respect to batches of tablets which vary in quality from batch to batch? ( b ) What will be the quality of tablets passed into stock by the plan? ( c ) How much inspection on the average will the plan require?
Holocene record of precipitation seasonality from lake calcite δ18O in the central Rocky Mountains, United States

A context for recent hydroclimatic extremes and variability is provided by a ∼10 k.y. sediment carbonate oxygen isotope (δ 18 O) record at 5–100 yr resolution from Bison Lake, 3255 m above sea level, in northwestern Colorado (United States). Winter precipitation is the primary water source for the alpine headwater lake in the Upper Colorado River Basin and lake water δ 18 O measurements reflect seasonal variations in precipitation δ 18 O. Holocene lake water δ 18 O variations are inferred from endogenic sedimentary calcite δ 18 O based on comparisons with historic watershed discharge records and tree-ring reconstructions. Drought periods (i.e., drier winters and/or a more rain-dominated seasonal precipitation balance) generally correspond with higher calcite δ 18 O values, and vice-versa. Early to middle Holocene δ 18 O values are higher, implying a rain-dominated seasonal precipitation balance. Lower, more variable δ 18 O values after ca. 3500 yr ago indicate a snow-dominated but more seasonally variable precipitation balance. The middle to late Holocene δ 18 O record corresponds with records of El Nino Southern Oscillation intensification that supports a teleconnection between Rocky Mountain climate and North Pacific sea-surface temperatures at decade to century time scales.
Poisson flows in single class open networks of quasireversible queues

Abstract This paper analyzes open networks of quasireversible nodes with a single class of customers and in equilibrium. A simple argument shows, under a stability conditions, that a flow on a link of such a network is Poisson if and only if the link is not part of a loop. This loop criterion is shown to apply to the usual quasireversible networks with bounded service rates.
Feeding, drinking and urate excretory cycles in reproducing female Parcoblatta cockroaches

Abstract 1. 1. Adult female Parcobtatta pennsylvanica and P. fulvescens exhibit pronounced feeding and drinking cycles during their 8-day reproductive cycle. 2. 2. Food and/or water deprivation at oothecal deposition markedly inhibited basal oocyte development. 3. 3. The voiding of urate-containing fecal pellets by P. fulvescens is also cyclic, and peaked 1 day after peak feeding. It occurred only in females on high-nitrogen diets. 4. 4. Females on a graded series of nitrogen diets did not show a progressive increase in the level of body urate on the higher nitrogen diets, suggesting that urate excretion plays a role in regulating the level of internal urates.
Hybrid management of proximal right subclavian artery aneurysms

Surgical repair of proximal right subclavian artery aneurysms can be difficult. They typically require a combined mediastinal exposure to control the innominate and right common carotid arteries and a supra- or infraclavicular exposure for distal control, with either a segmental resection and bypass or a bifurcated reconstruction. In this report, we present four cases utilizing a single-stage, hybrid technique combining an endovascular stent graft and an extra-anatomical bypass to repair proximal right subclavian artery aneurysms without the need for mediastinal exposure or extensive surgical reconstruction. There were no deaths and two minor neurologic events.
Stereotype susceptibility narrows the gender gap in imagined self-rotation performance

Three studies examined the impact of stereotype messages on men’s and women’s performance of a mental rotation task involving imagined self-rotations. Experiment 1 established baseline differences between men and women; women made 12% more errors than did men. Experiment 2 found that exposure to a positive stereotype message enhanced women’s performance in comparison with that of another group of women who received neutral information. In Experiment 3, men who were exposed to the same stereotype message emphasizing a female advantage made more errors than did male controls, and the magnitude of error was similar to that for women from Experiment 1. The results suggest that the gender gap in mental rotation performance is partially caused by experiential factors, particularly those induced by sociocultural stereotypes.
Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs): The effectiveness of One Company's HCP in a 12-Hr Work Shift Environment

An existing hearing conservation program (HCP), originally designed when an 8-hr work shift schedule was in effect, was evaluated at a plant site where a 12-hr work shift schedule is now utilized. The study included the following phases: a noise analysis of the work environment, HCP evaluation through the use of audiometric data base analysis (ADBA), applying ADBA procedures and a comparison of the shift in hearing threshold levels (HTLs) for the 8-hr and 12-hr work shifts, and an evaluation of the hearing protection devices (HPDs) being used at the facility over the 12-hr work shift by measuring temporary threshold shift (TTS). The mean measured employee time-weighted average (TWA) in the process area where the TTS study was conducted was 92 dBA. It was found that the existing HCP is at best marginal. The most likely causes of this less-than-desirable rating are inadequate audiometric testing procedures and inadequate HPD utilization. Furthermore, it was concluded that, at this time, the introduction of ...
Magnetic doping of Ge-quantum dots: growth studies exploring the feasibility of modulating QD properties

The magnetic doping of Ge-QDs is highly coveted and has been pursued for several years. The Ge- Mn-Si substrate system presents a complex challenge, and the competition between dopant integration and formation of silicides, germanides and metastable phases makes the magnetic doping a considerable, and maybe insurmountable challenge. We will discuss the interaction of Mn with all growth surface, Si(100), Ge(100) wetting layer, and Ge{105} QD facet, as well as the co-deposition of Mn and Ge. The monoatomic Mn-wires, which form on Si(100), and their magnetic signatures allow unique insight into the relation between bonding and magnetism. We will close with an outlook on the feasibility of QD manipulation by controlling dopant-surface interactions.
Co-localization and Distribution of Cerebral APP and SP1 and its Relationship to Amyloidogenesis

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta)-loaded plaques in the brain. Abeta is a cleavage fragment of amyloid-beta protein precursor (APP) and over production of APP may lead to amyloidogenesis. The regulatory region of the APP gene contains consensus sites recognized by the transcription factor, specificity protein 1 (SP1), which has been shown to be required for the regulation of APP and Abeta. To understand the role of SP1 in APP biogenesis, herein we have characterized the relative distribution and localization of SP1, APP, and Abeta in various brain regions of rodent and primate models using immunohistochemistry. We observed that overall distribution and cellular localization of SP1, APP, and Abeta are similar and neuronal in origin. Their distribution is abundant in various layers of neocortex, but restricted to the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum, and the pyramidal cell layer of hippocampus. These findings suggest that overproduction of Abeta in vivo may be associated with transcriptional pathways involving SP1 and the APP gene.
The Added Value of Molecular Testing in Small Pancreatic Cysts

Context Recent studies have shown high amplitude K- ras gene mutation and allelic imbalances are predictive of malignancy in pancreatic cysts. Objective Our purpose is to determine the added benefit of molecular testing in diagnosing small pancreatic cysts. Design Retrospective, single-institution study. Patients Patients with pancreatic cysts (less than, or equal to, 3 cm) who presented for EUS evaluation. Intervention EUS-guided pancreatic cyst aspiration cytology, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level determination, and detailed DNA analysis including K- ras gene mutation and allelic imbalance. Main outcome measurements Ability of cyst fluid DNA analysis to render a diagnosis compared with cytology and CEA level determination. Results Diagnostic agreement was seen in 55.6% (35/63) of cases. In 10 cases (15.9%), there was disagreement between cytology and molecular. Molecular testing provided a diagnosis in 20 cases (31.7%) when either cytology was unsatisfactory, or CEA not elevated (less than 192 ng/mL). Elevated CEA levels were seen in 16 cases (25.4%), each diagnosed as a mucinous lesion with molecular analysis. Conclusions Molecular analysis of pancreatic cyst fluid adds diagnostic value in scant specimens when cytology may be unsatisfactory and CEA unreliable. Image: Proposed management algorithm for pancreatic cystic neoplasms.
Real-time outline mapping for mobile blind robots

Mapping is important for mobile robots in unknown environments. However, existing work largely relies on long-range sensors such as expensive laser range finders and cameras. Little has been done for robots with only short-range sensors such as bumpers or wall sensors. In this paper, we fill in the gap and propose a method for real-time indoor mapping for blind robots, i.e. robots that have only short-range sensors. Several key problems for mapping are addressed in this paper: (1) generating map from a single robot's odometry and short-range sensor data, (2) combining and collating maps from multiple robots to generate a coherent bigger map, and (3) detecting loops in the map and performing loop closure. The method has been implemented on iRobot Create and tested in hallways of office buildings. Experimental results have shown that the system is robust to noisy odometry and obstacles along the walls.
Social defeat differentially affects immune responses in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Social defeat is a complex, multi-faceted behavioral interaction capable of eliciting a wide range of physiological and behavioral responses. The behavioral components responsible for eliciting these changes, however, remain unspecified. The goal of the present study was to examine the effects of chronic social defeat on serum cortisol concentration as well as innate and acquired immune responses in adult male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Specifically, we experimentally manipulated the nature of the social interaction among conspecific animals (i.e., no social interaction, exposure to the sight or smell of a conspecific, or full social defeat) in order to determine the important components contributing to potential stress-induced changes in immunity. We found that immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were decreased in defeated animals relative to both control animals and those exposed only to the olfactory cues of conspecifics. In contrast, serum bactericidal activity was increased in the defeated animals relative to controls. Prolonged social defeat did not elevate serum cortisol levels as compared with control animals. The results of this study suggest that social defeat alters immune responses and that specific behavioral components (i.e., defeat) contribute to this response. Importantly, these findings also demonstrate that social defeat exerts opposite effects on innate and acquired measures of immunity. Collectively, these results contribute to our understanding of complex social behaviors and their differential effects on endocrine and immune responses in vertebrates.
Time-Inconsistent Preferences and Social Security

In this paper we examine the role of social security in an economy populated by overlapping generations of individuals with time-inconsistent preferences who face mortality risk, individual income risk, and borrowing constraints. We find that unfunded social security lowers the capital stock, output, and consumption for consumers with time-consistent or time-inconsistent preferences. However, it may raise or lower welfare depending on the strength of time inconsistency.
Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hot Flashes

OBJECTIVE:To review the literature evaluating the use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of hot flashes.DATA SOURCES:Biomedical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966—June 2003), MD Consult, and references of reviewed articles. Key search terms used were hot flashes, vasomotor symptoms, antidepressants, and SSRIs.DATA SYNTHESIS:Recent evidence from the Women's Health Initiative precludes the use of traditional hormonal therapy in some women. Nonhormonal therapies are possible options, but conflicting evidence of efficacy exists.CONCLUSIONS:Although further studies are warranted, preliminary data suggest that SSRIs are generally modestly successful in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
A linear-quadratic optimal controller for the servomechanism problem

A linear-quadratic approach is presented to solve the robust servomechanism problem. It is shown that the resulting controller enjoys many properties like asymptotic regulation, stability, boundedness and robustness.
Gifted Children’s Relationships With Writing:

This collective case study represents 10 gifted children’s relationships with writing. The construct “relationship with writing” includes children’s influences, goals, values, identity, and emotion...
Diversity and Coexistence of Sonoran Desert Winter Annuals

Annual plants make up ca. 50% of local floras in the Sonoran Desert. As with most plant communities, there is no shortage of potential coexistence generating mechanisms, and several mechanisms are likely contributors to coexistence at different spatial scales in the Sonoran Desert, e.g. spatial heterogeneity and the behaviors of predators and grazers. We explore one mechanism of likely importance for desert annuals: temporal environmental variation. It is widely recognized that coexistence is promoted by temporal variation if species such as desert annuals have “temporal niches” in the sense that each has years in which it out-performs the others. It is usually suggested that some resistent life-history stage, such as a seed bank, is also necessary to buffer each species from the negative population dynamic impact of unfavorable years. Using ten years of demographic data, we document the large year-to-year variation in population dynamics of desert annuals and show that ten species respond differently to temporal variation. Competition experiments document reversals in competitive superiority. Also, all species have a between-year seed bank, such that only a proportion of the seed bank germinates in any given year. Thus this system meets our intuitive requirements for variance-based coexistence. Dynamic models of this system demonstrate that subtle aspects of the species biology determine whether coexistence criteria are actually met. Specifically, variable germination fractions are required and coexistence is most readily favored with “predictive” germination. Germination fractions in this system do vary among years in a species specific fashion. Also, for the three years of available data, germination was predictive, in that each species had greater germination fractions in year of greater demographic success. Thus all of the population dynamic elements necessary for temporal variance mediated coexistence seem to be present in this system.
Work in progress — Minor in engineering studies: Teaching engineering concepts to non-engineering students

This work addresses a new multidisciplinary program at our school called Minor in Engineering Studies, designed by the engineering college for all non- engineering fields and disciplines. The goal of the program is to provide technological awareness and understanding of the technical issues to non-engineering students. This might be one of the most important tasks of an engineering educator: to educate non-engineering students about the issues and importance of engineering. Non-engineering students can participate in this program and receive a minor degree. Since many managers, directors, and policymakers are making decisions on technological-based issues, it makes sense to provide them with a conceptual framework of technology. This work covers the major premise of our efforts as a land-grant institution to educate the students. This is a collegewide effort that includes all levels from the dean of engineering and the dean's office to the individual departments, as well as some of our graduate and undergraduate students. This work provides an early detail of our planning, implementation, early results, and challenges.
Measuring component DGD by using polarized ASE noise and monitoring the degree of polarization

We demonstrate a novel technique for measuring the first and second order PMD of in-line components and PMD emulators by scrambling a narrow band ASE noise source. We show that the PMD is related to the minimum and maximum DOP.
A Composite Review of Social Work Research Textbooks

Social work educators require textbooks and other teaching materials that can be used in research courses to enhance student learning. Likewise, social work practitioners require resource books that can be used to enhance practice. This article provides an essay review of four recently published books representing diverse viewpoints on social work research, and discusses these books in the context of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. The major aims, content, and scope of each book are reviewed as well as suggestions for their use in undergraduate or graduate courses, or as a resource for social work practitioners.
SOUPA: standard ontology for ubiquitous and pervasive applications

We describe a shared ontology called SOUPA - standard ontology for ubiquitous and pervasive applications. SOUPA is designed to model and support pervasive computing applications. This ontology is expressed using the Web ontology language OWL and includes modular component vocabularies to represent intelligent agents with associated beliefs, desires, and intentions, time, space, events, user profiles, actions, and policies for security and privacy. We discuss how SOUPA can be extended and used to support the applications of CoBrA, a broker-centric agent architecture for building smart meeting rooms, and MoGATU, a peer-to-peer data management for pervasive environments.
The equilibrium rate of unemployment in the Netherlands

The rise in unemployment in the 1970s and its subsequent persistence have challenged the conventional wisdom embodied in the standard Phillips curve, namely that equilibrium unemployment is fairly constant over time. This paper attempts to explain the apparent non-constancy of equilibrium unemployment by developing and estimating a structural model in which equilibrium unemployment is endogenous and results from the interactions of wage bargaining and the price and employment determination of firms. We find that the three major determinants of equilibrium unemployment are tax rates, the replacement rate and the real interest rate. The rise in unemployment in the 1970s and early 1980s was mainly due to a rise in the first two factors. That equilibrium unemployment remained high when tax rates and the replacement rate were reduced in the 1980s and early 1990s is attributed to the rise in real interest rates during this period.
Resilience, Conviviality, and the Engaged Studio

University faculty and outreach program directors have been called to deliver more effective, equitable, and sustainable ways in which neighborhood and university communities may creatively interact. The authors report on the case of the Pittsburgh Studio, an initiative that matches students and resident stakeholders in researching local issues and identifying place-based solutions to catalyze resilience and conviviality in low-income neighborhoods. This article traces the cooperation of the Pittsburgh Studio and the Penn State Center, describes its conceptual basis, and concludes by outlining emerging best practices for neighborhood-based engaged scholarship in the post-industrial inner city.
Reduced size capacitive defect EBG resonators

The concept of a capacitive defect in a periodic lattice is examined. An eigenvalue analysis has been performed to determine the resonant frequency of a capacitive section that forms a defect in an otherwise periodic lattice of metallic vias. This concept presented herein addresses one of the major concerns in a defect mode resonator scheme: the overall size of the structure. Theoretically by loading the cavity with a capacitive load, a size reduction up to a full order of magnitude can be achieved depending on the height of the capacitive post. Furthermore the Q remains relatively the same even with a substantial size reduction. However as a practical issue, the sensitivity of the resonant frequency limits the achievable reduction for a given set of fabrication tolerances. The sensitivity of the resonator frequency and the resonant quality factor of a capacitive defect resonator has been the focus of this study. In the evanescent defect EBG resonator presented herein, the second order resonance is not an integer multiple of the dominant resonant frequency thus resulting in a very clean spectrum. As an example of an application for this EBG resonator, multiple capacitive defects in a metallo-dielectric EBG substrate have been coupled to form a reduced size multipole filter.
Dynamic plane-strain shear rupture with a slip-weakening friction law calculated by a boundary integral method

Abstract A numerical boundary integral method, relating slip and traction on a plane in an elastic medium by convolution with a discretized Green function, can be linked to a slip-dependent friction law on the fault plane. Such a method is developed here in two-dimensional plane-strain geometry. The method is more efficient for a planar source than a finite difference method, and it does not suffer from dispersion of short wavelength components. The solution for a crack growing at constant velocity agrees closely with the analytic solution, and the energy absorbed at the smeared-out crack tip in the numerical calculation agrees with energy absorbed at the analytic singularity. Spontaneous plane-strain shear ruptures can make a transition from sub-Rayleigh to near- P propagation velocity. Results from the boundary integral method agree with earlier results from a finite difference method on the location of this transition in parameter space. The methods differ in their prediction of rupture velocity following the transition. The trailing edge of the cohesive zone propagates at the P -wave velocity after the transition in the boundary integral calculations.
Information content of chess positions

Chess has served as a convenient vehicle for studying cognition and perception (see de Groot [1965], Chase and Simon [1973]) as well as machine intelligence. Perhaps the central question for both of these research uses of chess is: How much chess-specific knowledge does it take to play at a given level of competence, for example, at the master level? It is difficult to say what chess-specific knowledge is, and it certainly consists of different types of knowledge, that must be considered independently of each other (for example, "book knowledge" obtained by studying chess books is quite different from experience obtained in over-the-board play). Even if one succeeds in defining what "chess-specific knowledge" is, there remains the difficulty of measuring it. Because of these difficulties, any approach to measuring the amount of knowledge possessed by a practitioner of a craft must be based on questionable assumptions, and any result obtained is subject to uncertainty and criticism. Only the inherent interest of the question posed justifies reporting on a rough and inconclusive experiment designed to answer one aspect of the tantalizing question: How much chess-specific knowledge does it take to play at a given level of competence?
Calcium ATPase activity and membrane structure in clear and cataractous human lenses.

PURPOSE. Maintenance of calcium homeostasis is imperative for the clarity of the lens. Ca 2+ -ATPase is essential for the removal of cytosolic calcium, either across the plasma membrane or through intracellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, membranes prepared from clear lens epithelium were compared to membranes prepared from cataractous lens epithelium. METHODS. Human lens membranes were prepared by a protocol utilizing homogenization and centrifugation. Ca 2+ -ATPase activity was measured biochemically using Gamma- 32 P labeled ATP. Lipid order was measured using infrared and Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS. Ca 2+ -ATPase activity was similar in membranes prepared from cataractous lenses that were classified as nuclear subcapsular, nuclear and brunescent cataracts. Ca 2+ -ATPase activity was approximately 50% less in membranes prepared from cataractous lenses in comparison to clear lenses. Because clear lenses from Indian donors was unavailable, clear human lenses were used as...
Distributed Fault-Tolerant Topology Control in Static and Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, minimizing power consumption and at the same time maintaining desired properties in the network topology is of prime importance. In this work, we present a distributed algorithm for assigning minimum possible power to all the nodes in the wireless sensor network, such that the network is K-connected. In this algorithm, a node collects the location and maximum power information from all the nodes in its vicinity, and then it adjusts the powers of the nodes in its vicinity in such a way that it can reach all the nodes in the vicinity through K optimal vertex-disjoint paths. We prove that, if each node maintains K optimal vertex-disjoint paths to all the nodes in its vicinity then the resulting topology is globally K-connected, provided the topology obtained when all nodes transmit with their maximum power Gmax is K-connected. This topology control algorithm has been extended to mobile scenario and the proof of connectivity in the mobile scenario has been presented. Simulation results show that significant power saving can be achieved by using this algorithm.
Measurements of FRET in a glucose-sensitive affinity system with frequency-domain lifetime spectroscopy.

Abstract We report measurements of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for glucose sensing in an established concanavalin A–dextran affinity system using frequency-domain lifetime spectroscopy. A dextran (MW 2 000 000) labeled with a small fluorescent donor molecule, Alexa Fluor 568, was used to competitively bind to a sugar-binding protein, concanavalin A, labeled with acceptor molecule, Alexa Fluor 647, in the presence of glucose. The FRET-quenching kinetics of the donor were analyzed from frequency-domain measurements as a function of both glucose and acceptor-protein concentrations using a Forster-type decay kinetics model. The results show that the frequency-domain measurements and donor decay kinetics can quantitatively indicate changes in the competitive binding of 0.09 μM dextran to labeled concanavalin A at a solution concentration of 10.67 μM in the presence of glucose at concentrations ranging from 0 to 224 mg/dL.
Anterior Petrosectomy: Consecutive Series of 46 Patients with Attention to Approach-Related Complications.

Objective Anterior petrosectomy(AP) was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s as micro-neurosurgery proliferated. Original reports concentrated on the anatomy of the approach and small case series. Recently, with the advent of additional endonasal approaches to the petrous apex, the morbidity of AP remains unclear. This report details approach-related morbidity around and under the temporal lobe. Methods A total of 46 consecutive patients identified from our surgical database were reviewed retrospectively. Results Of the 46 patients, 61% were women. Median age of the patients was 50 years (mean: 48 ± 2 years). Median follow-up of this cohort was 66 months. Most procedures dealt with intradural pathology (n = 40 [87%]). Approach-related morbidity consisted of only two patients (4%) with new postoperative seizures. There were only two significant postoperative hemorrhages (4%). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in two patients (4%) requiring reoperation. Conclusion Approach-related complications such as seizures and hematoma were infrequent in this series, < 4%. This report describes a contemporary group of patients treated with open AP and should serve as a comparison for approach-related morbidity of endoscopic approaches. Given the pathologies treated with this approach, the morbidity appears acceptable.
Suppressing the Skin Immune System

A number of factors can lead to exaggerated immunity or autoimmunity. Traditional strategies for suppressing immunity include drugs and devices to suppress the immune system. Drug inhibitors of B cells and T cells include corticosteroids and antimetabolites. Devices for the inhibition of immunity include ultraviolet light and photopheresis apparati. Nanotechnology drugs and devices aim to enhance the effectiveness of these modalities while reducing their toxicities.
Equilibrium analysis of multi-defender security games

Stackelberg game models of security have received much attention, with a number of approaches for computing Stackelberg equilibria in games with a single defender protecting a collection of targets. In contrast, multi-defender security games have received significantly less attention, particularly when each defender protects more than a single target. We fill this gap by considering a multidefender security game, with a focus on theoretical characterizations of equilibria and the price of anarchy. We present the analysis of three models of increasing generality, two in which each defender protects multiple targets. In all models, we find that the defenders often have the incentive to overprotect the targets, at times significantly. Additionally, in the simpler models, we find that the price of anarchy is unbounded, linearly increasing both in the number of defenders and the number of targets per defender. Surprisingly, when we consider a more general model, this results obtains only in a "corner" case in the space of parameters; in most cases, however, the price of anarchy converges to a constant when the number of defenders increases.
The Endangered Species Act Turns 30

Many analysts suggest that the Endangered Species Act's restrictions on property rights discourage conservation by encouraging landowners to "shoot, shovel and shut up" if they discover an endangered specie's presence on their land. To overcome that perverse incentive, the Bush administration is considering revising Habitat Conservation Plan regulations so that landowners who voluntarily adopt such plans in cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Service would be protected from further future regulation. Is the exchange of expanded "voluntary" conservation for regulatory certainty a good one?
A Meckel's diverticulum presenting as pyogenic liver abscesses

Meckel9s diverticula are the most common congenital malformation of the small intestine. The condition is rarely symptomatic and is usually an incidental finding during surgery. Bleeding in children and obstruction in adults are the most common symptomatic presentations. Our case involves a 50-year-old man with multiple pyogenic liver abscesses due to a Meckel9s diverticulum. The abscesses were percutaneously drained and the diverticulum was eventually resected. Pyogenic liver abscess is a very rare presentation of a Meckel9s diverticulum. The diverticulum in our case appeared to have a thickened wall on imaging but no signs of acute inflammation were present on the CT scan or noticed intraoperatively. It was presumed to be the possible source as all other possibilities were ruled out. Ultimately, the surgical pathology revealed acute inflammation and focal abscess. We propose that elective resection of a Meckel9s diverticulum should be considered in the setting of pyogenic liver abscess with no other identifiable source.
Removal of alpha-methyldopa (aldomet) in man by dialysis.

SummaryDialytic removal of alpha-methyldopa (Aldomet) has been investigated in chronic uremic patients undergoing either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, using 14C tracer techniques. A mean of 60% of the estimated absorbed radioactivity was recovered in the dialysate of 3 patients undergoing 4 hemodialyses; the mean relative dialysance of radioactivity from alpha-methyldopa and its products was 0.34. A similar amount of radioactivity was recovered in the dialysate of 2 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.The antihypertensive action of administered alpha-methyldopa and its major metabolite (a mono-O-sulfate conjugate) may be diminished by hemodialysis. This effect could contribute to the reemergence of hypertension occasionally observed in the postdialysis period in patients receiving alpha-methyldopa therapy.
THE MIDGUT HEMOLYSIN OF IXODES DAMMINI (ACARI: IXODIDAE)

Midgut homogenates of the hard tick, Ixodes dammini, lyse erythrocytes from rabbits, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. The activity displays sigmoidal kinetics, has an alkaline pH optimum, and is activated by temperature. Hemolytic activity is lost when homogenates are incubated with trypsin or heated for 1 hr at 60 C. Activity is not detectable in nonfed ticks as well as ticks attached for up to 2 days to a host, but increases during the growth phase of feeding. Such activity is postulated to help the initial process of the blood meal digestion by releasing the contents of erythrocytes for further enzymatic hydrolysis.