cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of symptom control and palliative care abstracts presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.

Abstract Purpose: Forty percent of all patients referred for radiotherapy are treated with palliative intent. The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) has recently emphasized the importance of radiation oncologists being skilled in the field of symptom control and palliative care (SCPC). The purpose of this study was to determine the number of abstracts relating to SCPC presented at the annual ASTRO meetings. Methods and Materials: The number of SCPC abstracts presented at ASTRO meetings between 1993 and 2000 was counted. Abstracts were included if they described populations with advanced or metastatic cancer for whom the goal of treatment was symptom palliation. The treatment sites and symptoms palliated were recorded. Results: Of 3511 abstracts presented at ASTRO between 1993 and 2000, an average of 47 (1.3%, range 0.9–2.2%/y) were related to SCPC. The most common treatment sites were bone, brain, and lung. Pain, bleeding, and neurologic and pulmonary symptoms were the ones most commonly palliated. Thirty-two percent of the SCPC abstracts involved randomized controlled trials, 47% had palliation of symptoms as a secondary treatment outcome, and in 21%, the symptomatic treatment outcome was not specifically stated. Conclusion: SCPC research has been poorly represented at the annual ASTRO meetings. Education and research in this field needs to be actively encouraged, because SCPC is an important component of a radiation oncologist's role in comprehensive patient care.
Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke alters later-life antitumor cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity via possible changes in T-regulatory cells.

Epidemiological studies suggest that maternal smoking increases the incidence in the progeny of certain childhood cancers. Our previous study in mice demonstrated the feasibility of such an association by demonstrating that prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) elevated the incidence of transplanted tumors and reduced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity in juvenile male offspring. The current study extends these findings by investigating the relationship between CS-induced CTL suppression and effects on regulators of effector T-cell activity, such as T-regulatory (Treg; CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cells and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Results here demonstrate that in utero exposure to CS, at a maternal particle concentration of 15 mg/m3 (4 h/d, 5 d/wk), significantly reduced ex vivo CTL activity of whole splenocytes (and isolated CD8+ cells) against tumor cells both before and after injection of prenatally exposed mice with EL4 lymphoma cells. In contrast, prenatal CS exposure significantly increased l...
Synthesis of a gene for sensory rhodopsin I and its functional expression in Halobacterium halobium.

Abstract We have designed, synthesized, and expressed in Halobacterium halobium a gene encoding sensory rhodopsin I (SR-I). The gene has been optimized for cassette mutagenesis by incorporating 30 unique restriction sites with uniform spacing throughout the 720-bp coding region. For expression, the coding region was placed downstream of the promoter and translation initiation region of the bacterioopsin gene on a selectable vector. This construct encodes SR-I with an extended N terminus that includes the 13-amino acid leader sequence and the 8-amino acid N terminus of bacterioopsin. To obtain a SR-I- H. halobium strain for expressing the synthetic gene, we used homologous recombination to delete the chromosomal gene encoding SR-I, sopI. The deletion strain was transformed with the synthetic sopI expression vector. Using antibody directed against the C-terminal region of SR-I, we detected in transformant membranes a protein with the electrophoretic mobility expected for SR-I with a processed N-terminal extension. The synthetic gene product was functionally identical to SR-I. Its flash-induced absorption difference spectrum and photochemical reaction cycle in membrane envelope vesicles were characteristic of SR-I. The protein fully restored phototaxis responses in the deletion strain.
Improved confidence intervals for the sensitivity at a fixed level of specificity of a continuous-scale diagnostic test.

For a continuous-scale diagnostic test, it is of interest to construct a confidence interval for the sensitivity of the diagnostic test at the cut-off that yields a predetermined level of its specificity (for example, 80, 90 or 95 per cent). In this paper we propose two new intervals for the sensitivity of a continuous-scale diagnostic test at a fixed level of specificity. We then conduct simulation studies to compare the relative performance of these two intervals with the best existing BCa bootstrap interval, proposed by Platt et al. Our simulation results show that the newly proposed intervals are better than the BCa bootstrap interval in terms of coverage accuracy and interval length. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A theoretically based critical heat flux prediction for rod bundles at PWR conditions

Abstract A theoretically based procedure developed for round tubes has been applied to the prediction of DNB heat fluxes in rod bundles at PWR conditions. State-of-the-art subchannel analysis procedures were used to determine local flows and enthalpies. Very good comparison between DNB predictions and experimental observations are found for rod bundles which both uniform and non-uniform axial heat fluxes.
Effect of Ti and Ta on the oxidation of a complex superalloy

The oxidation behaviors of a series of directionally solidified Ni-base superalloys were studied at 1000 and 1100°C. These alloys are based on a composition of Ni-4.2Co-4.8Cr-12.8Al-1.6W3.1Mo-1.0Re (at.%), with additions of Ta and Ti. Both Ta and Ti partition to alloy phases in a manner similar to Al. With addition of 1 at. % of Ta, the oxidation resistance is improved significantly, while 1 at. % of Ti appears to have no effect. Raising the concentration of Ta and Ti to 3 at. % degrades the oxidation resistance, the degradation is especially severe with 3 at. % of Ta. At only 1 at. % of Ta and Ti, both alloys establish a protective layer of Al2O3. The loss of the oxidation resistance at 3 at. % addition of Ta and Ti is related to the formation of complex oxides which are less protective. Detailed analysis of the oxide phases are conducted using a combination of X-ray diffraction and SEM. Characterizations of the oxidation behaviors are made under isothermal and cyclic conditions. The discrepancies between data obtained under both conditions were noted.
The low temperature performance of Li-ion batteries

Abstract A symmetric cell was adopted to analyze low temperature performance of Li-ion battery. Results showed that impedances of both Li-ion and symmetric cells are mainly composed of bulk resistance (Rb), surface layer resistance (Rsl) and charge-transfer resistance (Rct). Among these three components, the Rct is most significantly increased and becomes predominant as the temperature falls to below −10 °C. Therefore, we may ascribe the poor low temperature performance of Li-ion battery to the substantially high Rct of the graphite and cathode. Comparing impedance spectra of the symmetric cells, we found that at −30 °C the delithiated graphite and lithiated cathode, both of which correspond to a discharged state in a Li-ion battery, have a much higher Rct than when charged. This means that the Li-ion battery in the discharged state suffers a higher polarization. This result explains the phenomenon that at low temperatures, charging of a discharged Li-ion battery is more difficult than discharging of a charged battery.
System Simulation of Dual-Gate At-Grade Railroad-Highway Crossings: Development and Verification

A simulation model of a dual-gate railroad-highway grade crossing was developed, validated, and applied to six crossings on the Chicago-St. Louis High Speed Passenger Rail Corridor. Simulation was used to demonstrate the feasibility of modeling the interaction of active safety devices, driver behavior, and vehicular and train traffic, and the dual-gate model served as the basis for development of a four-quadrant gate simulation model. Findings from the dual-gate simulation indicate that aggressive or inattentive drivers in the nonrecovery zone frequently exceed stopping distances and more beyond gate arms, and therefore are likely to proceed at high risk of a collision between their vehicle and a train.
Team Coordination, Communication and Knowledge Sharing in SMEs and Large Organisations

Knowledge has become more and more the prime resource for companies due to innovative pressure and the increasing importance of knowledge work. To maximize the innovative potential, companies are challenged to share and integrate the knowledge of their employees in project and product development teams. Knowledge sharing thus becomes essential for the success of product development and business processes. However, research has revealed that collaboration and knowledge sharing in organisations are often problematic. In this paper we investigated the impact of organisational size and team structure on team coordination, communication and knowledge sharing in German R&D departments, as well as department heads' satisfaction with team performance. Results show that communication, coordination and knowledge sharing problems correlate with the size of the organisation and the structure of teams. Department heads in small and medium size enterprises with more dynamic structures indicate fewer collaboration problems in their product development teams and higher satisfaction with team performance compared to department heads in large enterprises. These findings emphasize the influence of structural factors on knowledge sharing processes and link knowledge sharing with outcome factors such as supervisors' satisfaction with team performance.
Metallo-phthalocyanine near-IR fluorophores: oligonucleotide conjugates and their applications in PCR assays.

Water soluble, metallo-pthalocyanine (MPc) near-IR fluorophores were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as highly stable and sensitive reporters for fluorescence assays. Their conjugation to oligonucleotides was achieved via succinimidyl ester-amino coupling chemistry with the conditions for conjugation extensively examined and optimized. In addition, various conjugate purification and isolation techniques were evaluated as well. Results showed that under proper conditions and following purification using reverse-phase ion-pair chromatography, labeling efficiencies near 80% could be achieved using ZnPc (Zn phthalocyanine) as the labeling fluorophore. Absorption and fluorescence spectra accumulated for the conjugates indicated that the intrinsic fluorescence properties of the MPcʼs were not significantly altered by covalent attachment to oligonucleotides. As an example of the utility of MPc reporters, we used the MPc–oligonucleotide conjugates as primers for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplifications...
Policy-Related Degree Options for Pharmacists Interested in Careers in the Health Care Field

Policies exist at many levels and impact the practice of pharmacy in a wide variety of ways. Some pharmacists may seek advanced education related to policy development and assessment.In this article, policy is defined and the various ways the term is used with regard to the profession are reviewed with selected examples provided. Sources of information about policy-related degree programs offered both by educational units primarily focusing on pharmacy and units outside the specialty area are emphasized along with points to consider in making a decision. Examples of career opportunities are provided and questions to consider are presented.
A partial purification of membrane-bound b and c cytochromes from Chromatium vinosum.

Abstract Three membrane-bound cytochromes from the photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum have been partially separated from other membrane components by treatment with deoxycholate followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatography on Bio-Gel A1.5. Cytochrome c 555 , present in relatively small amounts in the deoxycholate extract, has an α-band that splits into two bands at 548 and 552.5 nm at liquid nitrogen temperature. The major components of the deoxycholate extract are cytochromes c 553 and b 560 , which are present in essentially equimolar amounts through all the stages of the purification procedure.
Primary production cycle in an upwelling center

Abstract The cycle of nitrogen and carbon productivity of phytoplankton in an upwelling center at 15°S on the coast of Peru was studied during the JOINT-II expedition of the Coastal Upwelling Ecosystems Analysis program. The productivity cycle was characterized by repeated stations at various locations in the upwelling plume, a time series of stations in mid plume, and stations located along drogue tracks. Four zones of physiological condition were distinguished along the axis of the upwelling plume. In Zone I phytoplankton upwelled with nutrient-rich water were initially ‘shifted-down’; in Zone II they underwent light induced ‘shift-up’ to increased nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and synthesis of macromolecules. In Zone III ambient nutrient concentrations were rapidly reduced, there was a rapid accumulation of phytoplankton biomass in the water column, and rate processes proceeded at maximal rates. In Zone IV ambient nutrient concentrations were significantly decreased, phytoplankton biomass remained high, and limitation of phytoplankton processes was beginning to be observed. Phytoplankton responded to the altered environment by undergoing ‘shift-down’ to lower rates of nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and macromolecule synthesis. The time and space domain where this entire sequence occurs was relatively small; the cycle from initial upwelling to ‘shift-down’ was completed in 8 to 10 days within 30 to 60 km off the coast.
Annual Production, Production/Biomass Ratio, and the Ecotrophic Coefficient for Management of Trout in Streams

Abstract This paper reviews the annual production, annual P/B ratio (annual production/ annual mean standing stock), and ecotrophic coefficient (annual angler harvest/annual production) of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, brown trout Salmo trutta, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in streams. Most estimates of annual production in fertile streams ranged from 100 to 300 kg/hectare. Annual P/B ratios varied with number of age-groups in species populations. The annual P/B ratio was about 2.0 for anadromous rainbow trout populations with two or three age-groups, about 1.5 for brook trout populations with four age-groups, and about 1.0 for brown trout populations with five to eight age-groups. The ecotrophic coefficient was about 0.25–0.50 for resident stream trout populations under normal regulations, but under special restrictive regulations, it dropped to about 0.10 or less. Poor access to the stream also lowered the coefficient, even under normal regulations, apparently by reducing harvest. Some extr...
A Rare Presentation of Systemic Emphysematous Infections Secondary to Klebsiella Pneumoniae Bacteremia in a Diabetic Patient

Abstract Background Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of developing Klebsiella pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess (KLA) and its extrahepatic complications. This is the first case report depicting the concurrence of pyogenic liver abscess, emphysematous pyelonephritis, and necrotizing fasciitis in 1 patient. Case Report A 29-year-old male with a history of poorly controlled diabetes presented to the emergency department with lower back pain and right lower leg pain for 1 week. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography revealed pyogenic liver abscess, bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis, and right lower-extremity necrotizing fasciitis. The patient then received emergent fasciectomy and bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy. K . pneumoniae was isolated from the blood culture, right nephrostomy tube, and right lower-extremity wound, indicating that it was the cause of these infections. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? In diabetic patients diagnosed with KLA, an emergency physician must perform thorough examinations to exclude potential systemic extrahepatic infections. KLA seeding infections are usually hematogenous in origin, as bacteremia is significantly more common in KLA than other pyogenic liver abscess. Documented sites of KLA seeding include eyes, lungs, kidneys, brain, meninges, soft tissues, and bone.
Effect of Bordetella endotoxin upon mitochondrial respiration and energized processes

Abstract Endotoxin isolated from Bordetella bronchiseptica 22067 by the Boivin method markedly affected respiration, certain energized processes, and the morphology of beef-heart mitochondria. Interaction of endotoxin with intact mitochondria resulted in loss of respiratory control, inhibition of the coupling of phosphorylation to terminal electron transfer, inhibition of respiration in presence either of DPNH-linked substrates or of succinate, stimulation of respiration with ascorbate-TPD 4 as electron donor, inhibition of Ca 2+ translocation whether energized by electron transfer or by ATP, but stimulation of Mg 2+ translocation energized by ascorbate plus TPD. Changes in the morphology of the inner membrane as a result of interaction of the mitochondrial membrane system with endotoxin were readily demonstrable. A submitochondrial preparation composed predominantly of inner membrane (ETP H ) was much more resistant than intact mitochondria to the action of endotoxin; higher concentrations of endotoxin were necessary for inhibition of respiration and energized processes. The action of B. bronchiseptica 22067 endotoxin mimicked, in part, that of other reagents, such as the murine toxin of Pasteurella pestis , Zn 2+ , certain basic proteins, and parathyroid hormone.
Robot Guidance Using A Morphological Vision Algorithm

An algorithm has been developed to guide a robot by identifying the orientation of a randomly-acquired part held in the robot's gripper. A program implementing this algorithm is being used to demonstrate the feasibility of part-independent robotic bin picking*. The project task was to extract unmodified industrial parts from a compartmentalized tray and position them on a fixture. The parts are singulated in the compartments but are positionally and rotationally unconstrained. The part is acquired based upon three-dimensional image data which is processed by a 3D morphological algorithm described in [1]. The vision algorithm discussed here inspects the parts, determines their orientation and calculates the robot trajectory to a keyed housing with which the part must be mated. When parts are extracted during a bin picking operation their position and orientation are affected by many factors, such as gripper insertion-induced motion, interference with container side walls during extraction, slippage due to gravity and vibration during robot motions. The loss of the known position and orientation of the part in the robot gripper makes accurate fixturing impossible. Our solution to this problem was to redetermine the orientation of the part after acquisition. This paper describes the application in detail and discusses the problems encountered in robot acquisition of unconstrained parts. Next, the physical setup and image acquisition system, including lighting and optical components, are discussed. The principles of morphological (shape-based) image processing are presented, followed by a description of the interactive algorithm development process which was used for this project. The algorithm is illustrated step by step with a series of diagrams showing the effects of the transformations applied to the data. The algorithms were run on ERIM' s new fourth generation hybrid image processing architecture, the Cyto-HSS, which is described in detail in [2], and the performance is compared to the same programs executed on a general-purpose mid-sized computer.
Open Source Software

This article provides a brief introduction to the open source software (OSS) movement in libraries from a serialist's perspective. After defining what the open source software movement is about, th...
Skipping Years and Scribal Errors: Kaqchikel Maya timekeeping in the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries

Adrian Recinos's correlation of Kaqchikcl Maya and Spanish dates in the Annals of the Kaqchikels contains n umerous errors. and there are several scribal and calculation errors in how both the 260-day and 400-day Kaqchikel Maya calendars were used within the manuscript. These are dating problems that stem from errors by the scribes in their attempt to adapt to a European counting and documentation system and their inexperience with the Kaqchikel Maya calendars. In addition, unique citation marks and two scribal errors shed light on the existence of earlier documents and subsequent effects on the later time counts of the Kaqchikcl Maya calendar system. This paper adjusts the previous correlation by Recinos and extends it from 1 570 until 1603. Moreover, by highlighting and correcting the internal errors, this paper offers a caveat to scholars when reconstructing the histories, events, and social relations of past Mesoamerican peoples and scripts without regard for internal errors.
Parabolized Navier-Stokes Analysis of Ducted Supersonic Combustion Problems

The extension of a recently developed implicit/explicit approach to analyzing two-dimensional ducted supersonic mixing problems with finite-rate chemistry is presented. The hybrid approach combines a fully implicit parabolic mixing algorithm, an explicit viscous-characteristic-based wave-solver algorithm, and a linearized implicit chemical kinetic solution algorithm. The resultant model provides spatial marching solutions of the parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations for supersonic combustion problems. Specialized procedures are incorporated to deal with the near-wall sublayer. A parabolic option is available that can be utilized in the direct or inverse mode for design applications. The ability of the model to treat shock waves and wave/mixing layer interactions is assessed via comparisons of predictions with those of well-establis hed, explicit shock-capturing Euler (SCIPPY) and PNS (SCIPVIS) models. Applications to several supersonic combustion flowfield problems are presented that exhibit overall capabilities.
BIAS in apparent classification rates in stepwise discriminant analysis

When p variables in a discriminant analysis are chosen by stepwise selection, the mean and percentage points of the apparent correct classification rates are positively biased as compared to the setting where p variables are not selected from a larger set. This bias due to subset selection is examined by Monte Carlo methods and compared to the bias due solely to resubstitution of the original sample. Both types of bias are intensified when the number of variables exceeds the degrees of freedom for error.
Pulse studies of the adsorption of nitric oxide on iron oxide surfaces

Abstract Moment analysis of the effluent peaks from input pulses to a packed column was used to study the activated adsorption of NO on Fe2O3 (14.2% Fe2O3 on Al2O3) at 370–410 °C. The adsorption equilibrium constant at 400 °C was 3.2 cm3/g and the heat of adsorption in the temperature range 370–410 °C was 12 kcal/mol. The adsorption equilibrium constant of NO decreased with time during flow of helium through the bed of particles. By auxiliary experiments with N2O pulses it was confirmed that this decrease was due to desorption of atomically adsorbed oxygen. The combination of NO and N2O pulse data provided evidence that NO was adsorbed on sites involving the adsorbed oxygen. Kinetic analysis of the data for the decrease in NO adsorption with time of helium flow suggested that the desorption of atomic oxygen was a second-order process with an activation energy of about 47 kcal/mol.
Cooking Did Not Decrease Antioxidant Capacity of Wild Blueberries

Text: Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of several chronic and degenerative diseases. Although research has been conducted on antioxidant content of various foods, few studies have investigated how domestic cooking affects these levels. The purpose of this study was to compare antioxidant content of individually quick frozen (IQF) wild blueberries after baking, simmering, microwaving, and pan-frying, with a control of thawed uncooked blueberries. Antioxidants were extracted from the blueberry tissue and analyzed following cooking, using the decoloration of 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) compared with a Trolox standard. The experiment was performed in triplicate, so a randomized block design was used to determine statistical differences among groups. On a fresh weight basis, pan-fried blueberries had significantly higher antioxidant capacity compared with baked, simmered, and control blueberries (p 0.05). Means SD ( mol/g) for panfried, microwaved, control, simmered, and baked blueberries were 3.28 0.84, 2.77 0.48, 2.54 0.88, 2.36 0.69, and 2.34 0.39, respectively. On a dry weight basis, pan-fried blueberries were significantly higher than control blueberries (p 0.05). Means SD ( mol/ g) for panfried, simmered, baked, microwaved, and control blueberries were 45.73 12.45, 39.08 14.20, 37.70 6.17, 34.73 6.22, and 28.45 11.30, respectively. Heating at high temperatures for short durations may degrade the cellular membranes in the blueberry tissue, allowing more antioxidants to be extracted. Dietitians can be confident that cooking wild blueberries does not diminish antioxidant capacity; therefore, they can recommend consumption of all types of wild blueberries for disease prevention.
Environmental considerations for application of high Tc superconductors in space

The impact of the environmental factors on the performance of the superconductive devices during spaceflight missions is reviewed. Specific factors typical of spaceflight are addressed to evaluate superconductive devices for space-based applications including preflight storage, radiation, vibration, and thermal cycling.
Applications of cylinders in Vs

Two previous papers treated a general purpose optomechanical system in which optical elements are mounted in cylinders that are located in Vs. The present paper presents several applications of this system. Knowledge of the first two papers is assumed.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Outcomes of Multimodal Training for Healthcare Professionals at an AIDS Education and Training Center

There is an ongoing need for continuing professional education (CPE) in the rapidly changing field of HIV care, but the best instructional methods remain a subject of debate. This study assessed the effects of training at an AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) over an 18-month period. Health care professionals (HCP) who attended more than one training event showed small but significant improvements over time in HIV-related clinical practice behaviors. The type of training also predicted self-reported practice behavior, with interactive trainings and individual consultations associated with greater change, and intensive clinical training activities associated with a faster rate of change but not better scores on the self-reported behavior measure. Participants also reported high levels of satisfaction, knowledge improvement, and intention to change after each training event; however, these results were unrelated to whether trainees actually reported improved practice behavior.
Learning Continuous Probability Distributions with Symmetric Diffusion Networks

In this article we present symmetric diffusion networks, a family of networks that instantiate the principles of continuous, stochastic, adaptive and interactive propagation of information. Using methods of Markovion diffusion theory, we formalize the activation dynamics of these networks and then show that they can be trained to reproduce entire multivariate probability distributions on their outputs using the contrastive Hebbion learning rule (CHL). We show that CHL performs gradient descent on an error function that captures differences between desired and obtained continuous multivariate probability distributions. This allows the learning algorithm to go beyond expected values of output units and to approximate complete probability distributions on continuous multivariate activation spaces. We argue that learning continuous distributions is an important task underlying a variety of real-life situations that were beyond the scope of previous connectionist networks. Deterministic networks, like back propagation, cannot learn this task because they are limited to learning average values of independent output units. Previous stochastic connectionist networks could learn probability distributions but they were limited to discrete variables. Simulations show that symmetric diffusion networks can be trained with the CHL rule to approximate discrete and continuous probability distributions of various types.
Smoke particulates stress lung cells.

Smoke is a solid. Whether from cigarettes, cooking fires or other sources, it is comprised of tiny particles that injure the lung and can lead to lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, characterized by laborious breathing. Steven D. Shapiro and his colleagues take a look at imaging data in people suggesting that these two conditions have more in common mechanistically than was previously thought. Both diseases seem to stem in part from the ability of inhaled particles to trigger inflammation, a process examined by Robert M. Senior and his colleagues.
A History of Video Game Cataloging in U.S. Libraries

Cataloging practices for video games have been in flux since the late 1970s, often lagging behind technological developments. This article describes the history of descriptive cataloging practices and MARC coding for video games. Also discussed are the special problems presented by Library of Congress subject heading and uniform title practice, which were developed for book cataloging rather than for the cataloging of video games themselves.
Modeling Chinook Salmon with SALMOD on the Sacramento River, California

Four races of Pacific salmon crowd the Sacramento River below a large res- ervoir that prevents access to historical spawning grounds. Each race is keyed to spawn at specific times through the year. A salmon population model was used to estimate: (1) the effects that unique run timing, interacting with seasonal river flows and water temper- atures, have on each race; and (2) which habitats appeared to be the most limiting for each race. The model appeared to perform well without substantive calibration. Late fall, winter, and spring run Chinook do not appear to have the same production potential as fall run Chinook even though fall run production is more variable than that for the other three races. Spring fish have the lowest production on average, and production appears to be declining through time, perhaps making that race harder to recover should the pop- ulation become more depressed. Rearing habitat appears to be the factor most limiting production for all races, but water temperature is responsible for most year-to-year pro- duction variation.
Nondiffusive hot spot in a confined, narrow domain

The spatial structure and temporal evolution of a nondiffusive hot spot are examined in a confined, planar enclosure. The situation is modelled by the reactive Euler equations and single-step Arrhenius kinetics with a large (scaled) activation temperature 1/e The initial state of the medium is taken to be one of uniform pressure but with a prescribed thermal gradient of order e across the domain. The induction equations, which govern order e disturbances to the initial state, are analyzed in the limit of small α, where α measures the width of the domain relative to the acoustic length based on a characteristic reaction time at the initial state. The solution displays a sequence of finite-time singularities as the hot spot grows in strength and shrinks in size in a spatially homogeneous pressure environment. Ultimately, in a region of exponentially small size, significant pressure gradients appear as acoustic and reaction times become comparable and the hot-spot structure is found to obey the full, but previously analyzed, Clarke equations.
Efficient processor support for DRFx, a memory model with exceptions

A longstanding challenge of shared-memory concurrency is to provide a memory model that allows for efficient implementation while providing strong and simple guarantees to programmers. The C++0x and Java memory models admit a wide variety of compiler and hardwareoptimizations and provide sequentially consistent (SC) semantics for data-race-free programs. However, they either do not provide any semantics (C++0x) or provide a hard-to-understand semantics (Java) for racy programs, compromising the safety and debuggability of such programs.In earlier work we proposed the DRFx memory model, which addresses this problem by dynamically detecting potential violations of SC due to the interaction of compiler or hardware optimizations with data races and halting execution upon detection. In this paper, we present a detailed micro-architecture design for supporting the DRFx memory model, formalize the design and prove its correctness, and evaluate the design using a hardware simulator. We describe a set of DRFx-compliant complexity-effective optimizations which allow us to attain performance close to that of TSO (Total Store Model) and DRF0 while providing strong guarantees for all programs.
Beta-Adrenergic Blockers

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents exert their major effects through the beta adrenoceptors in the heart and peripheral vasculature. Both heart rate and myocardial contractility are reduced with beta blockade. Beta receptors are also found in a wide range of other tissues. These agents are generally well tolerated, and are widely used for various cardiovascular and other clinical conditions.
Room temperature non-vacuum preparation of nanocrystalline CuInSe 2 employing aqueous solvents

A new room-temperature, aqueous solution-based preparation method for chalcopyrite CuInSe 2 has been developed. Using 10% aqueous ethylenediamine as a solvent, the slow addition of Cu(NO 3 ) 2 to a mixture of indium(III) acetate, elemental Se, and sodium thioglycolate results in the formation of CuInSe 2 as characterized by Raman spectroscopy. During this reaction, a kinetically-stable Cu 2−x Se(s) intermediate initially forms followed by slow conversion to CuInSe 2 that likely involves a direct Cu 2−x Se + In 2 Se 3 solid-state reaction. The ethylenediamine in the reaction mixture acts as a complexing agent, establishing equilibria that can be in competition with Cu 2−x Se(s) formation, limiting particle size and accelerating rates of reaction with In. Over several hours, the CuInSe 2 material undergoes a phase decomposition that can be reversed by annealing at 550 °C. Attempts to prepare CuIn 1−x Ga x Se 2 and CuGaSe 2 via this method result primarily in CuInSe 2 and Cu 2−x Se products, respectively, with nearly all gallium staying in the solution phase.
Inflammatory Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes Part II: Acute-Phase Reactants and Biomarkers of Endothelial Cell Activation

The inflammatory etiology of atherosclerosis has prompted a search for biomarkers of inflammation that predict risk for coronary artery disease and its sequelae. Within the acute coronary syndromes (ACS), inflammatory biomarkers may provide independent information regarding pathophysiology, prognosis, and optimal therapeutic strategies. On the basis of the hypothesis that different pathophysiological processes provide nonoverlapping information regarding risk stratification and disease management, this review series addresses biomarkers for each step in the inflammatory process that leads to ACS. Part I reviewed cytokines; this part reviews acute-phase reactants and biomarkers of endothelial cell activation; subsequent parts will address biomarkers of oxidative stress, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix degradation, and platelet activation. In the acute-phase response, cytokines drive production of acute-phase reactants, defined by >25% change in circulating concentration during an inflammatory response. These markers may also remain elevated chronically because of continuing inflammatory stimuli (Table). View this table: Inflammatory Biomarkers in ACS ### C-Reactive Protein C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentraxin acute-phase protein, members of which are evolutionarily conserved in most vertebrates.1 Hepatocytes and possibly smooth muscle cells and macrophages transcriptionally activate production of CRP in response to inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 and interleukin-6.2 CRP is a robust clinical marker because of its stability, reproducible results, and ease of assay. Although it was originally proposed as a nonspecific marker of inflammation, several reports suggest that CRP may play a direct pathophysiological role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Proposed mechanisms include induction of endothelial dysfunction,3 promotion of foam cell formation,4 inhibition of endothelial progenitor cell survival and differentiation,5 and activation of complement in atherosclerotic plaque intima6 and ischemic myocardium.7 Patients with ACS have elevations in CRP in association with their presenting symptoms. There appears to be a bimodal CRP response among patients with ACS. In some patients, CRP may remain elevated for …
Looking at protocol efficiency from a new angle: stability—delay analysis

Path stability is a very critical issue in resource-constrained environments as frequent route discoveries can easily congest the network and also unnecessarily exhaust the battery power of nodes. We quantify path stability in terms of the number of route transitions a routing protocol incurs to continue the data exchange between a particular source-destination (s-t) pair. End-to-end delay of an s-t session is another equally important performance metric, particularly for real-time applications. Aiming for optimum end-to-end delay can lead to unnecessary route transitions and vice-versa. In this paper, we introduce the idea of Stability-Delay Tradeoff (SDT) - as a measure of the efficiency of a MANET routing protocol. In a two-dimensional space of stability and delay, SDT refers to the proximity of the routing protocol's actual stability and delay with respect to the optimal stability and delay under the same history of network topology changes. We show that the theoretical optimum for path stability i.e., the number of route transitions is efficiently computable in polynomial time. We also propose a (distance, weight)-based assessment technique to quantify the SDT of a routing protocol.
Internal fluid flow increases cellular interconnects between Medial Collateral Ligament fibroblasts and cellular extensions within three-dimensional collagen matrixes.

The interconnectivity of fibroblasts within the ligamentous extracellular matrix has been largely overlooked. Studies on the cell-to-cell contacts with their neighbors via gap junctions in ligament fibroblasts, and works on the ability of fibroblasts to generate interconnected networks in vivo, suggest interfibroblastic interactions play an important role in fundamental biological processes, including homeostasis and wound healing. The current study examines how fluidic shear stresses imposed by internal flow can be used to mediate the formation of three-dimensional, interconnected fibroblast networks within collagen solutions. Several fibroblast-collagen solutions were exposed to shear stresses via Poiselle Flow. The consequent changes in cell networking, interconnections, and cell morphology within collagen matrixes exhibited by cells derived from Bovine Medial Collateral Ligaments were analyzed. Results illustrate that higher imposed stresses generate cells with more dendritic and/or branched morpholog...
Beyond Citizenship: American Identity After Globalization. By Peter J. Spiro. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. 208p. $29.95.

Peter J. Spiro's timely and highly accessible book encourages readers to reflect upon the contemporary meaning of citizenship. It could not have come at a better time. As I read it, I watched the collapse of the global financial system, which may really be just an aftershock of even more devastating global climate, food, and energy crises. At the same time, rather than coming together in a shared effort to respond to these multiple crises, Americans were entering the most polarizing phase of the presidential election. Sarah Palin is probably the first vice presidential candidate to suggest publicly that some parts of the country are “un-American,” but her words clearly reflected the sentiments of a significant portion of the U.S. public. Although it stirred some late-night television ridicule, Palin's remarks sparked little outrage or thoughtful and sustained public reflection about the broader implications of her statement. We should hope that the aftermath of the election will afford us a chance for such a dialogue on the nature of our national political community and its relation to the wider, global community. Beyond Citizenship should be required background reading for such a conversation.
Introduction: Theory and Anti-Theory in the Work of Allan Farnsworth

When Allan Farnsworth passed away on January 31, 2005, the world lost a titan in the field of contracts. Farnsowrth has been described as “the great contemporary American scholar, and one of a handful of great world scholars, on the law of agreement...[He] was...perhaps The Authority on the law of contracts and much more.” Similarly, others have called him “the premiere figure in American Contracts law scholarship since the passing of Corbin and Dawson. The treatise and his half of the Second Restatement would be quite a contribution if there was nothing else.” Farnsworth’s casebook is perennially the most widely-adopted Contracts casebook at law schools in the United States, and has been used by generations of law students. His treatise, Farnsworth on Contracts, is an expository marvel of Contracts doctrine, and may well be the most-often cited authority on Contracts. He wrote dozens of thoughtful law review articles, and was also a leading international voice in the passage of the CISG and the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts. In the year or more since Farnsworth’s death, scholars have had time to begin to reflect on the final body of work that Farnsworth amassed. Inevitably, the role of historians comes into play, and various aspects of Farnsworth’s record have begun to be reexamined in a new light subsequent to his death. Peter Linzer is one such historian and scholar, who has wondered about Farnsworth’s appreciation for the work of theoretical scholars in the latter half of the twentieth century. While Farnsworth appreciated such modern theoretical approaches to Contracts, his appreciation was only to a certain extent. In his talk at the International Contracts Conference held at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law on February 24-25, 2006, Professor Linzer shared his thoughts and theories on the subject of Farnsworth’s appreciation (or lack thereof) for theoretical approaches to Contract law. The members of the panel (Larry Garvin, Hila Keren, Randy Barnett, Joseph Perillo, and David Campbell) responded to Professor Linzer’s thoughts with some challenges to Linzer’s theory, including a debate about the meaning of the term “theorist” and whether Farnsworth’s disposition towards theory was or was not favorable, and whether such disposition was a function of his generation.
A Revision of the Genus Leptoremus (Coleoptera: Pedilidae)

The genus is recharacterized on the basis of both sexes. Its type and only species, L. argenteus Casey, 1904, originally described only from males, is redescribed, and additional distributional records are included. Characters are given for separating Leptoremus from Stereopalpus Laferte, Pergetus Casey, Mastoremus Casey, and Bactrocerus LeConte.
Learning from Latina Students: Modern Dance Meets Salsa and Merengue

(2000). Learning from Latina Students: Modern Dance Meets Salsa and Merengue. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 71, No. 3, pp. 39-42.
Proximal location in extremity long bones is a poor prognostic factor for osteosarcoma: A retrospective cohort study of 153 patients.

AbstractBackground: Osteosarcomas arising in the proximal femur, humerus, and tibia appear to have poorer outcomes than those arising in distal long bones. However, the strength of this association is uncertain, particularly in light of other prognostic factors. Therefore, this retrospective cohort study was performed to compare patient outcomes between proximal and distal tumor location within extremity long bones. Material and methods: A total of 153 patients with conventional high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremity long bones, pelvis, or axial skeleton who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection between 1985 and 2010 were identified in the Surgical Pathology files at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Effect of anatomic location within a proximal long bone was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: Proximal tumor location was a strong predictor of poor prognosis in univariate survival analysis. Multivariate regression analysis showed that after controll...
Effect of intermittent hypoxia on expression of nerve cell autophagy-related protein in hippocampus of rats

Objective To study the effect of intermittent hypoxia(IH)on expression of nerve cell autophagy-related protein in hippocampus of rats by simulating the features of OSAHS.Methods Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group(n=36)and 5%IH group(n=36).Rats in control group received compressed air and those in 5%IH group were exposed to IH for 7heach day.On days 1,3,5,7,10,14 after the model was established,ultrastructure of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell mitochondria was observed under transmission electron microscope.Expression of Beclin-1and LC3 was detected by immunohistochemistry assay.Results The ultrastructure change of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell mitochondria was more significant in5%IH group than in control group,and mitochondria autophagosome formation was observed on day 3.The expression level of Beclin-1and LC3 protein was significantly higher in 5%IH group than in control group(P0.05),reached its peak on day 10(P0.05)and began to decrease on day 14(P0.05).Conclusion Early IH can induce nerve cell autophagy and expression of autophagy-related Beclin-1and LC3 protein in hippocampus of rats.
Higher Dimensional Linear Models: An Application to Shrimp Effort in the Gulf of Mexico (Years 2007-2014)

The issue of handling categorical along with continuous variables in linear models is always interesting and at the same time challenging. In this paper, a general linear model is extended to include both categorical and continuous predictors. Second order terms including interactions of categorical and continuous variables are discussed. Relations are defined, which map categorical variables onto continuous ones. A special case of such relation is where the levels of categorical variables are nested within the continuous variables hereafter called a "nested" model. The resulting models are then applied to estimate shrimp effort in the Gulf of Mexico for the years 2007 through 2014. A comparison of the results from each of the models is presented in the paper.