cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating Trust in Interaction with Inconsistent Embodied Virtual Agents

Embodied Virtual Agents (EVAs) are used today as interfaces for social robots, educational tutors, game counterparts, medical assistants, as well as companions for the elderly and individuals with psychological or behavioral conditions. Forming a reliable and trustworthy interaction is critical to the success and acceptability of this new form of interaction. In this paper, we report on a study investigating how trust is influenced by the cooperativeness of an EVA as well as an individuals prior experience with other agents. Participants answered two sets of multiple choice questions, working with a different agent in each set. Two types of agent behaviors were possible: Cooperative and Uncooperative. In addition to participants achieving significantly higher performance and having higher trust for the cooperative agent, we found that participants’ trust for the cooperative agent was significantly higher if they interacted with an uncooperative agent in one of the sets, compared to working with cooperative agents in both sets. Furthermore, we found that participants may still decide to choose agent’s suggested answer (which can be incorrect) over theirs, even if they are fairly certain their own answer is the correct one. The results suggest that trust for an EVA is relative and it is dependent on user’s history of interaction with different agents in addition to current agent’s behavior. The findings provide insight into important considerations for creating trustworthy EVAs.
SVM-Based Channel Estimation and Data Detection for One-Bit Massive MIMO Systems

The use of low-resolution Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) is a practical solution for reducing cost and power consumption for massive Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. However, the severe nonlinearity of low-resolution ADCs causes significant distortions in the received signals and makes the channel estimation and data detection tasks much more challenging. In this paper, we show how Support Vector Machine ( SVM ), a well-known supervised-learning technique in machine learning, can be exploited to provide efficient and robust channel estimation and data detection in massive MIMO systems with one-bit ADCs. First, the problem of channel estimation for uncorrelated channels is formulated as a conventional SVM problem. The objective function of this SVM problem is then modified for estimating spatially correlated channels. Next, a two-stage detection algorithm is proposed where SVM is further exploited in the first stage. The performance of the proposed data detection method is very close to that of Maximum-Likelihood (ML) data detection when the channel is perfectly known. We also propose an SVM-based joint Channel Estimation and Data Detection (CE-DD) method, which makes use of both the to-be-decoded data vectors and the pilot data vectors to improve the estimation and detection performance. Finally, an extension of the proposed methods to OFDM systems with frequency-selective fading channels is presented. Simulation results show that the proposed methods are efficient and robust, and also outperform existing ones.
Modeling likelihood of farmer participation in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Technical Assistance program in West Virginia

Food and fiber production on America’s farmlands have a major influence on the environment, rural economies, and healthy communities. Therefore, soil and water conservation practices are critical. Nonetheless, research has shown there are few, if any, universal factors that influence farmer conservation practice adoption. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has provided no-fee technical assistance for nearly 100 years through the Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program, which encourages farmers to engage in voluntary conservation practices without financial incentives. However, in recent years, funding for CTA, which supports NRCS staffing levels and training, has remained relatively flat. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence farmer participation in the CTA program. Given the need for more comprehensive theoretical approaches in the literature, a holistic theory of change that contemplates individual and institutional factors was developed based on the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach and Community Capitals Framework (CCF). This theoretical model was used to develop and test hypotheses. Data from a mailed questionnaire were quantitatively analyzed to assess farmer motivations and barriers to participation. Results showed informal training, acreage, land use, viewing the farm as a monetary investment, cost-benefit analysis, income, and the role of NRCS staff as educators to be positive motivators, while culturally driven factors, such as the desire for tidy-looking landscapes, are potential barriers. Future research should continue to refine this theoretical model while also investigating the influence of social groups, farmer and nongovernmental organizational trust levels, peer lending circles, and institutional factors such as NRCS organizational capacity in greater detail.
Applying the developmental model of use disorders to hedonic hunger: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Hedonic hunger (HH) occurs when individuals are driven to consume highly palatable food for pleasure, rather than to satisfy a caloric need. Currently, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not recognize HH as a use disorder. Previous research has noted physiological, neurobiological, and treatment similarities between HH, binge eating behavior and substance use, leading to the speculation of the existence of food addiction (FA). The purpose of the current review was to explore the literature on the developmental similarities between substance use, HH, binge eating behavior, and other use disorders to provide more evidence for the recognition of FA as an official use disorder, to add to the evidence in favor of a developmental model of use disorders, and to inform the development of interventions that target modifiable symptoms associated with use disorders. METHODS We provide a narrative review of the literature on developmental factors associated with both HH and substance use. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Adverse childhood experiences and attachment have been previously linked to both substance use and maladaptive eating behaviors. Adverse childhood experiences are linked with insecure attachment and emotion dysregulation, which is linked with compulsive behaviors and substance use. Clinical and research implications are discussed in terms of a developmental model of use disorders and the formal recognition of FA in the next edition of the DSM.
Restoration of DNA Integrity and Cell Cycle by Electric Stimulation in Planarian Tissues Damaged by Ionizing Radiation

Exposure to high levels of ionizing {gamma}-radiation leads to irreversible DNA damage and cell death. Here, we establish that exogenous application of electric stimulation enables cellular plasticity to reestablish stem cell activity in tissues damaged by ionizing radiation. We show that sub-threshold direct current stimulation (DCS) rapidly restores pluripotent stem cell populations previously eliminated by lethally {gamma}-irradiated tissues of the planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea. Our findings reveal that DCS enhances DNA repair, transcriptional activity, and cell cycle entry in post-mitotic cells. These responses involve rapid increases in cytosolic [Ca2+] through the activation of L-type Cav channels and intracellular Ca2+ stores leading to the activation of immediate early genes and ectopic expression of stem cell markers in postmitotic cells. Overall, we show the potential of electric current stimulation to reverse damaging effects of high dose {gamma}-radiation in adult tissues. Furthermore, our results provide mechanistic insights describing how electric stimulation effectively translates into molecular responses capable of regulating fundamental cellular functions without the need for genetic or pharmacological intervention.
Electronic Spectroscopy of cis- and trans-meta-Vinylbenzyl Radicals.

The D0(2A″)-D1(2A″) electronic transition of resonance-stabilized radical C9H9 isomers cis- and trans-meta-vinylbenzyl (MVB) has been investigated using resonant two-color two-photon ionization (R2C2PI) and laser-induced fluorescence. The radicals were produced in a discharge of m-vinyltoluene diluted in Ar and probed under jet-cooled conditions. The origin bands of the cis and trans conformers are at 19 037 and 18 939 cm-1, respectively. Adiabatic ionization energies near 7.17 eV were determined for both conformers from two-color ion-yield scans. Dispersed fluorescence (DF) was used to conclusively identify the cis-conformer: ground-state cis-MVB eigenvalues calculated for a Fourier series fit of a computed vinyl torsion potential are in excellent agreement with torsional transitions in the 19 037 cm-1 DF spectrum. R2C2PI features arising from cis- or trans-MVB were distinguished by optical-optical hole-burning spectroscopy and vibronic assignments were made with guidance from density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. There is a notable absence of mirror symmetry between excitation and emission spectra for several totally symmetric modes, whereby modes that are conspicuous in emission are nearly absent in excitation, and vice versa. This effect is largely ascribed to interference between Franck-Condon and Herzberg-Teller contributions to the electronic transition moment, and its pervasiveness a consequence of the low symmetry (Cs) of the molecule, which permits intensity borrowing from several relatively bright electronic states of A″ symmetry.
Postbuckling response of unitized stiffened textile composite panels: Computational modeling

Abstract A computational investigation of unitized stiffened textile composite panels that are manufactured from triaxially braided textile composites and loaded in axial compression into the postbuckling regime is presented. The stiffened panels are unitized because the textile nature of the constituent material, in conjunction with an alternative stiffener design, form a near-net shape one-piece stiffened panel structure where the textile laminae that form the skin section of the panel are also used, without discontinuity of material, to form the stiffener. A multiscale computational model is presented where the architecture-dependent behavior of a discretely modeled mesoscale representative volume element is passed up to the orthotropic homogenized macroscale stiffened panel shell model. The mesoscale model is automatically executed based on input from the macroscale shell model. Progressive damage initiation and propagation is accomplished by implementing a crack band model in the macroscale model to simulate a material softening behavior. The experimental results are compared to the computational multiscale framework analysis results where a mesoscale triaxially braided textile composite architecture-based model serves as the damage initiation criterion for a smeared progressive damage crack band model in the orthotropic homogenized stiffened panel macroscale shell model.
Teachers’ Working Hours During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study uses nationally representative data for the United States from the Basic Monthly Current Population Survey to document how teachers’ hours of work have changed in 2020 and 2021 relative ...
A novel meniscofemoral ligament variant intra-substance to the PCL.

While much detail is known about each anatomic structure of the knee and its contributory effect on biomechanics, our understanding is still evolving. In particular, the function of the meniscofemoral ligaments and their anatomical variants have yet to be fully described. In this report, a never-before-described anatomical meniscofemoral ligament variant intra-substance to the PCL is presented. Arthroscopists should be aware of the novel variant as a growing number of studies have demonstrated the biomechanical importance of the meniscofemoral ligaments in protecting the lateral meniscus and supporting the function of the PCL. Level of Evidence: IV.
Multivariate Input Modeling

As large-scale discrete-event stochastic simulation becomes a tool that is used routinely for the design and analysis of service and manufacturing systems, it is critical to develop multivariate input models that are flexible enough to capture the joint distributional properties of multivariate input processes. In this document, we review the recent advances in multivariate input modeling with focus on developing fast sampling algorithms for driving large-scale discrete-event stochastic simulations. Keywords: stochastic simulation; input modeling; multivariate time series; correlation; Johnson distribution; random vector; dependence; copula
Comilation of a Highly Parallel Actor-Based Language

Hal is a High-level Actor-based Language. Hal supports a number of communication mechanisms, local synchronization constraints, inheritance, and restricted forms of reflection. This paper discusses some issues in compiling Hal. Specifically, we describe three source-level transformations used by the compiler for Hal. Two of the transformations translate RPC-style message sending into asynchronous message sending. The third transformation performs code motion to optimize the implementation of replacement behavior. This optimization results in the reduction of object code size as well as execution time.
Frequency Response Specifications and Sensitivity Functions in Quantitative Feedback Theory

Within the scope of control of uncertain systems, the problem of performance robustness, especially in the face of parametric uncertainty, has been increasingly recognized as a predominant issue of engineering significance in many design applications. Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT), a frequency response-based method introduced by Horowitz, has been shown advantageous in many cases where performance specifications for such systems, in terms of hard constraints on closed loop response, are to be met. In this paper, these traditional QFT design criteria are contrasted with a relaxed, sensitivity-based formulation for single input single output (SISO) feedback systems. The advantage of the latter is a greater degree of mathematical commonality with alternative frequency domain methods, thus laying the groundwork for future benchmark studies in control design. The methodology is demonstrated by application to a lateral autopilot design problem for the C-135 aircraft, both to the traditional QFT design specifications as well as to the relaxed sensitivity based criterion.
A Scalable Command and Control System for Human-Machine Work Systems

The emergence of complex work systems has yielded new challenges for efficient and reliable collaboration between humans and machines. Robots are now working autonomously beside human counterparts to accomplish critical tasks; however fully autonomous robot action is still considered unreliable. This paper examines an approach to increasing the robustness, reliability, and efficiency of human-machine work systems by dynamically establishing dynamic control relationships between humans and robots as well as altering the effective autonomy manifested by each robot. The process involves workload estimation to determine the parameters of the system, workload optimization to analyze and modify system parameters, and workload mitigation to enact these modifications in a non-intrusive manner. Furthermore, heuristic approaches to approximating an optimal system configuration for real-time environments are also addressed and simulated.
A Task-Specific Architecture for the Generation of Intelligent Tutoring Systems

There is a need for easier, more cost-effective means of developing intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs). A nove l and advantageous solution to this problem is the development of a task-specific ITS shell that can generate tutoring systems for different domains within a given class of tasks. Task-specific authoring shells offer flexibility in generating ITSs for different domains, yet are powerful enough to build knowledgeable tutors. In this report, we describe the development of an architecture for the generation of intelligent tutoring systems for various domains by interfacing with existing generic task-based expert systems, and reusing other tutoring components.
On the difficulty of validating voting machine software with software

We studied the notion of human verification of software-based attestation, which we base on the Pioneer framework. We demonstrate that the current state of the art in software-based attestation is not sufficiently robust to provide humanly verifiable voting machine integrity in practice. We design and implement a self-attesting machine based on Pioneer and modify, and in some cases, correct the Pioneer code to make it functional and more secure. We then implement it into the GRUB bootloader [1], along with several other modifications, to produce a voting machine that authenticates and loads both the Diebold AccuVote-TS voting software as well as its underlying operating system. Finally, we implement an attack on the system that indicates that it is currently impractical for use and argue that as technology advances, the attack will likely become more effective.
Association between manganese superoxide dismutase promoter gene polymorphism and breast cancer survival.

Background Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) plays a critical role in the detoxification of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, constituting a major cellular defense mechanism against agents that induce oxidative stress. A genetic polymorphism in the mitochondrial targeting sequence of this gene has been associated with increased cancer risk and survival in breast cancer. This base pair transition (-9 T > C) leads to a valine to alanine amino acid change in the mitochondrial targeting sequence. A polymorphism has also been identified in the proximal region of the promoter (-102 C>T) that alters the recognition sequence of the AP-2 transcription factor, leading to a reduction in transcriptional activity. The aim of our study was to investigate possible associations of the -102 C>T polymorphism with overall and relapse-free breast cancer survival in a hospital-based case-only study.
Development and evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serum Vi antibodies for detection of chronic Salmonella typhi carriers.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measuring, in serum, immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA to Vi capsular polysaccharide antigen that was tyraminated (Vi-Tyr) to increase its binding efficiency to microtiter plates was compared with the standard passive hemagglutination assay (PHA) as a screening test for chronic Salmonella typhi carriers. Initially, three populations were evaluated: 22 healthy U.S. adults, 17 young Chilean adults with acute typhoid fever, and 51 Chileans who had bacteriologically confirmed S. typhi chronic carriage. IgG-specific Vi-Tyr antibodies were preferentially present in the S. typhi chronic carrier state. A total of 44 of 51 (81%) chronic carriers, 0 of 22 (0%) healthy U.S. adults, and 2 of 17 (12%) Chileans with acute typhoid fever had reciprocal IgG Vi-Tyr ELISA antibody titers in serum of greater than or equal to 200. The IgG Vi-Tyr ELISA was then compared with the PHA as a screening test for chronic carriers in 141 Chilean female food handlers. One woman was serologically incriminated as a carrier by both the IgG ELISA and PHA; her coprocultures were positive for S. typhi. One other woman, identified as a carrier by PHA, was negative by culture and IgG ELISA. The IgG Vi-Tyr ELISA is as sensitive as the PHA (86 versus 76%) and as specific (95 versus 95%) in screening for chronic carriers.
RNA-Binding and Capping Activities of Proteins in Rotavirus Open Cores

Guanylyltransferases are members of the nucleotidyltransferase family and function in mRNA capping by transferring GMP to the phosphate end of nascent RNAs. Although numerous guanylyltransferases have been identified, studies which define the nature of the interaction between the capping enzymes of any origin and their RNA substrates have been limited. Here, we have characterized the RNA-binding activity of VP3, a minor protein component of the core of rotavirions that has been proposed to function as the viral guanylyltransferase and to direct the capping of the 11 transcripts synthesized from the segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome of these viruses. Gel shift analysis performed with disrupted (open) virion-derived cores and virus-specific RNA probes showed that VP3 has affinity for single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) but not for dsRNA. While the ssRNA-binding activity of VP3 was found to be sequence independent, the protein does exhibit preferential affinity for uncapped over capped RNA. Like the RNA-binding activity, RNA capping assays performed with open cores indicates that the guanylyltransferase activity of VP3 is nonspecific and is able to cap RNAs initiating with a G or an A residue. These data establish that all three rotavirus core proteins, VP1, the RNA polymerase; VP2, the core capsid protein; and VP3, the guanylyltransferase, have affinity for RNA but that only in the case of the RNA polymerase is the affinity sequence specific.
Review of tourism in the USA

Abstract International tourism has emerged as the USA's second largest foreign exchange earner. This paper examines the dynamics of the USA's major tourist markets. Furthermore, it offers marketing tips on how US tourism firms and government can improve the country's marketing competitiveness by internationalizing their operations in order to improve their share of the international tourism industry to its fullest potential.
Insulin Receptor Substrate 2-mediated Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase Signaling Selectively Inhibits Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β to Regulate Aerobic Glycolysis

Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 are cytoplasmic adaptor proteins that mediate the activation of signaling pathways in response to ligand stimulation of upstream cell surface receptors. Despite sharing a high level of homology and the ability to activate PI3K, only Irs-2 positively regulates aerobic glycolysis in mammary tumor cells. To determine the contribution of Irs-2-dependent PI3K signaling to this selective regulation, we generated an Irs-2 mutant deficient in the recruitment of PI3K. We identified four tyrosine residues (Tyr-649, Tyr-671, Tyr-734, and Tyr-814) that are essential for the association of PI3K with Irs-2 and demonstrate that combined mutation of these tyrosines inhibits glucose uptake and lactate production, two measures of aerobic glycolysis. Irs-2-dependent activation of PI3K regulates the phosphorylation of specific Akt substrates, most notably glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Gsk-3β). Inhibition of Gsk-3β by Irs-2-dependent PI3K signaling promotes glucose uptake and aerobic glycolysis. The regulation of unique subsets of Akt substrates by Irs-1 and Irs-2 may explain their non-redundant roles in mammary tumor biology. Taken together, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which Irs-2 signaling preferentially regulates tumor cell metabolism and adds to our understanding of how this adaptor protein contributes to breast cancer progression.
Oxycodone induced delirium and agitation in an elderly patient following total right knee arthroplasty

Case Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain, and are often connected to mental status adverse events. Delirium is a side effect associated with narcotic analgesics, with a higher incidence in the elderly. This report describes an elderly male that received a total knee arthroplasty and received morphine post-operatively. On post-operative day 2, morphine was discontinued due to mental status changes and switched to oxycodone/acetaminophen. Twenty-four hours after administering oxycodone, the patient’s mental status declined. After the patient returned to baseline he was transferred to rehabilitation and re-challenged with oxycodone/acetaminophen. The re-challenge was inadvertent due to inadequate documentation of the adverse event and lack of understanding by the health care team of delirium associated with opioids. A similar rapid decline in mental status occurred. Conclusion Clinicians should be cognizant of narcotic analgesics inducing mental status changes, even with an alternative. Detailed documentation of adverse events should occur to avoid accidental re-challenges.
Progress in holographic 3D video displays (Abstract Only)

The number of display pixels required to present a holographic image can be reduced to a minimum determined by optical physics, but inevitably grows with the display size and angle of view The MIT holographic video system has recently been scaled up to provide images 85 mm high by 135 mm wide by ca. 200 mm deep, with an angle of view of 30=B0 and a vertical resolution of 144 lines. The minimum number ofpixels needed to support this display is 37.7 million (36 Mp), presented as 144 lines of 262 thousand (256 Kp). This large number of pixels presents considerable challenges for the interactive computation, communication and display of holographic video images. The presentation of such an image is made possible by optical parallelization of the display optics wherever possible. We use an 1 8-channel acousto-optical modulator, and a Fresnel-type moving mirror scanning system to overcome several practical limitations. The computation of such large holograms is speeded up by the elimination of as much information as possible from the hologram, notably its vertical parallax. Techniques of space discretization and table iookup reduce the computation time to a few seconds in most cases. Methods of "difftaction-specific' fringe computation and compression reduce the computation time even frirther. The use ofadaptive sub-sampling allows the lossless "compression" ofhologram data by a factor of two for speedy transmission and reconstruction at the display end of the channel. The general structure of the system includes an IBM Power Visualization System, which provides a 32-processor parallelized system for rapid compuation and compression of the holographic video pixels. A HiPPI link between the PVS and a specially-adapted digital image processing and frame store system (the Cheops system, designed for the Television of Tomorrow research program at MIT) allows transfer times of less than half a second. The output from eighteen synchronized 2-MB video memory circuits with arbitrarilylong line lengths are then converted to a 50-100 MHz signal suitable for the transducers for the acoustooptic modulators.
Cerebral hemorrhage in Henoch-Schoenlein syndrome

Background.Henoch-Schoenlein syndrome (HSS) is the most common form of vasculitis seen in childhood. The clinical diagnosis is based on the association of nonthrombocytopenic purpura, arthritis and abdominal pain. Nephropathy is the most common complication. Hemorrhages can occur in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Neurological complications are rare, though they may be particularly severe.
A capability model of individual differences in frontal EEG asymmetry

Researchers interested in measuring individual differences in affective style via asymmetries in frontal brain activity have depended almost exclusively upon the resting state for EEG recording. This reflects an implicit conceptualization of affective style as a response predisposition that is manifest in frontal EEG asymmetry, with the goal to describe individuals in terms of their general approach or withdrawal tendencies. Alternatively, the response capability conceptualization seeks to identify individual capabilities for approach versus withdrawal responses during emotionally salient events. The capability approach confers a variety of advantages to the study of affective style and personality, and suggests new possibilities for the approach/withdrawal motivational model of frontal EEG asymmetry and emotion. Logical as well as empirical arguments supportive of this conclusion are presented.
Self-poisoning reactions in the single-pellet catalytic reactor

Abstract The single-pellet reactor, in which in effect the reactant concentration at the center-plane of a porous catalyst pellet of slab geometry can be measured, can provide information on the concentration dependence of self-poisoning rates of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions. The method is illustrated by application to data for the hydrogenation of cyclopropane over Pt/Al 2 O 3 . Der “Einzelplatzchen-Reaktor”, in welchem praktisch die Konzentration der Reaktionsteilnehmer an der Mittelflache eines porosen Katalysatorplatzchens plattenformiger Geometrie gemessen werden kann, vermag Auskunft zu geben uber die Konzentrationsabhangigkeit der Selbstvergiftungsgeschwindigkeiten heterogen-katalysierter Reaktionen. Das Verfahren wird durch Anwendung auf die Hydrierung von Cyclopropan an Pt/Al 2 O 3 erlautert.
Entry deterrence with uncertain entry and uncertain observability of commitment

The standard approach to the issue of strategic entry deterrence is based on the assumption that if the incumbent does not precommit entry will take place with certainty, while if he does precommit entry will be deterred with certainty. In this note we allow for the possibility that the opportunity cost of entry is random, so that entry is not a priori certain. We also allow for the possibility that the incumbent's commitment is not observed by the potential entrant. We show in numerical examples that even very little uncertainty may be sufficient to induce the incumbent not to attempt to deter entry.
Role of nanomedicines in cell-based therapeutics.

Zhaoyang Ye1 & Ram I Mahato2† †Author for correspondence 1The Johns Hopkins University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 3400 N. Charles Street/Clark Hall 102, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA Tel.: +1 443 572 9007; Fax: +1 410 516 8152; Email: zye5@jhu.edu 2University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19 S. Manassas, RM 224, Memphis, TN 38103-3308, USA Tel.: +1 901 448 2099; Fax: +1 901 448 6929; Email: rmahato@utmem. edu
Reimmunization after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients are severely immunocompromised during the immediate posttransplant period, and the risk for common and opportunistic infections may persist for many months. The role of reimmunization for these patients, however, remains unsettled. We briefly review current concepts regarding the recapitulation of immunity from the totipotential hematopoietic stem cells in the donor marrow. The fact that various components of the new immune system mature at different rates can have clinical consequences with regard to specific infections. Most previously immunized patients become antibody seronegative within a few months after allogeneic marrow transplantation. Adoptive transfer of specific antibody-producing cells from the donor to the recipient has been demonstrated in small clinical trials, and is augmented when both donor and recipient are vaccinated. Passive transfer of immunity is more easily achieved to recall antigens than to neoantigens. Primary immunization requires prolonged antigenic stimulation and mature T-cell function or help from natural killer cells. Most healthy patients generate adequate antibody titers to vaccinations that are given 12 months after transplantation, but the presence of chronic graft-versus-host disease can diminish the response. Currently available vaccines have been evaluated in marrow transplant patients. Protein antigens such as tetanus and diphtheria toxoids are more immunogenic than polysaccharide antigens such as pneumococcal vaccine. The new polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines, such as the Hemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, also appear more immunogenic. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine has been used successfully. Relatively few data are available about hepatitis B or influenza vaccines. The literature supports the use of standard vaccines in allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients. However, more data on the optimal methods and timing of immunization are needed. We present guidelines for a reimmunization schedule.
Ultra-thin wideband absorbers comprised of pixelized Frequency Selective Surfaces

An ultra-thin wideband absorber is proposed comprised of two cascaded layers. The first layer is a pixelized Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) engineered to exhibit the response of a series RLC circuit. The FSS is placed at a small but useful distance above a mushroom-type artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). The admittances of the two structures cancel each other resulting in an almost zero input reactance within the frequency range of interest. A -10dB return loss is achieved for normal incidence from 9-13 GHz, while the total thickness of the structure does not exceed 2 mm.
Role of frequency changes in vibrational energy transfer

Abstract The interaction potential energy term quadratic in vibrational coordinate is shown to cause a disturbance in vibrational frequencies during the collisi
A Micropatterned Surface for the Assessment of Relative Two-Dimensional Molecular Selectin Kinetics in Flow

Recruitment rate measurements of micro-scale particles, such as cells or microbeads, to biofunctional surfaces is difficult because factors such as uneven ligand distributions, particle collisions, variable particle fluxes, and molecular-scale surface separation distances that combine to obfuscate the ability to link the observed particle behavior with the governing nanoscale biophysics. We report the development of a hydrodynamically-conditioned micropattern catch strip assay to measure microparticle and cellular recruitment kinetics. The assay exploited patterning within microfluidic channels and the mechanostability of selectin bonds to create reaction geometries that confined a microbead flux to within 200 nm of the surface under flow conditions. Systematic control of capillary action enabled the creation of homogenous or gradient ligand distributions. The method enabled the measurement of particle recruitment rates (keff , s−1 ) that were primarily determined by the interaction of the biomolecular pair being investigated. The method may be well suited for analysis of reaction rates between surface-bound molecules in the presence of convective flow patterns.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
GPR30 deficiency causes increased bone mass, mineralization, and growth plate proliferative activity in male mice

Estrogen regulation of the male skeleton was first clearly demonstrated in patients with aromatase deficiency or a mutation in the ERα gene. Estrogen action on the skeleton is thought to occur mainly through the action of the nuclear receptors ERα and ERβ. Recently, in vitro studies have shown that the G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 is a functional estrogen receptor (ER). GPR30-deficient mouse models have been generated to study the in vivo function of this protein; however, its in vivo role in the male skeleton remains underexplored. We have characterized size, body composition, and bone mass in adult male Gpr30 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. Gpr30 KO mice weighed more and had greater nasal-anal length (p < .001). Both lean mass and percent body fat were increased in the KO mice. Femur length was greater in Gpr30 KO mice, as was whole-body, spine, and femoral areal bone mineral density (p < .01). Gpr30 KO mice showed increased trabecular bone volume (p < .01) and cortical thickness (p < .001). Mineralized surface was increased in Gpr30 KO mice (p < .05). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling showed greater proliferation in the growth plate of Gpr30 KO mice (p < .05). Under osteogenic culture conditions, Gpr30 KO femoral bone marrow cells produced fewer alkaline phosphatase-positive colonies in early differentiating osteoblast cultures but showed increased mineralized nodule deposition in mature osteoblast cultures. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were not different. These data suggest that in male mice, GPR30 action contributes to regulation of bone mass, size, and microarchitecture by a mechanism that does not require changes in circulating IGF-1.
Glycolate and glyoxylate metabolism in HepG2 cells.

Oxalate synthesis in human hepatocytes is not well defined despite the clinical significance of its overproduction in diseases such as the primary hyperoxalurias. To further define these steps, the...
Garbage imperialism: Health implications of dumping hazardous wastes in third world countries

This paper calls for studies of the potential health implications of today's hazardous waste disposal practices, and suggests that such studies are urgently needed in Third World countries where industrial nations are increasingly dumping their unwanted waste materials. The United States produces enormous quantities of hazardous waste each year, and approximately 1,200 "priority hazardous waste sites" presently threaten the nation's health. Because of environmental regulations, landfill closings, and citizen opposition to local waste facilities, industrialized countries are increasingly disposing of their problematic materials by shipping them to the Third World, where they pose substantial threats to human health and the environment. From a political economy perspective, this paper suggests that global health would be better served by reducing hazardous waste production, encouraging reusing and recycling, and restricting or banning international shipment of toxic wastes.
Reverse money laundering in Russia: clean cash for dirty ends

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of and comment on various aspects of reverse money laundering, whereby, instead of “washing” criminal proceeds to make them legal, legitimate funds are withdrawn from formal circulation and pumped into the informal sector to evade taxes, hand in bribes, pay “under-the-table” salaries and sidestep paperwork. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is divided into two parts. The theoretical part reviews the relevant academic literature and discusses the role of cash as a dominant medium of exchange in the underground economy. The empirical part is grounded on a qualitative analysis of several case studies of fraudulent encashment schemes all of which illustrate how reverse money laundering works. Findings – The findings suggest that fraudulent encashment, a type of reverse money laundering, is performed via bank and non-bank institutions. Importantly, methods and techniques used in conventional forms of money laundering are also used in reverse m...
Neuron action potential detection with tunnel diode oscillation circuit

We realized for the first time a neuron action potential detection system with tunnel diode oscillation circuit. A tunnel diode oscillator circuit was realized with very high Q (larger than 800,000), very low power (560 uW) and controllable oscillating frequency. Extra-cellular neuron action potentials were generated using a small electric dipole with appropriate input signal. The action potentials were then detected and amplified and input to the tunnel diode circuit that produced a modulated carrier at 16 MHz/8 MHz. This signal was then detected by an external receiver system via inductive coupling and then demodulated, producing the original action potentials. Given the simplicity of this telemetry system and its low power, it can be integrated into a volume smaller than 1 mm3 by using MEMS resonators. Such a miniaturized bio-implantable telemetry system will be invaluable in reverse engineering the brain circuit.
Selective high resolution proton NMR spectra in solids

Abstract A technique is presented where double resonance pulse schemes, which remove both homonuclear and heteronuclear dipolar interactions, have been used to isolate the chemical shift spectrum of specific protons within polycrystalline solids. Proton spectra of Ca(CHO 2 ) 2 demonstrate the ability of the scheme to produce undistorted powder patterns, and the selective character of the technique is demonstrated with results from several organic solids and an absorbed system.
SLCO/OATP-like transport of glutathione in FasL-induced apoptosis: glutathione efflux is coupled to an organic anion exchange and is necessary for the progression of the execution phase of apoptosis.

Apoptosis is characterized by the activation of specific biochemical pathways that lead to the organized demise of cells. Intracellular GSH depletion has been observed during apoptosis; however, neither the mechanisms involved in the reduction of the intracellular GSH concentration, [GSH]i, nor its link to the progression of apoptosis have been elucidated. We have studied this issue using Fas ligand (FasL)-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells where changes in [GSH]i can be analyzed biochemically and at the single cell level by flow cytometry. A reduction in the total [GSH]i in response to FasL occurs in two distinct stages prior to the loss of membrane integrity. Jurkat cells express several members of the multidrug resistance protein (ABCC/MRP), and the organic anion-transporting polypeptide protein (SLCO/OATP) families of GSH efflux pumps at the mRNA level. Glutathione loss and its accumulation in the extracellular medium, induced by FasL, was trans-stimulated by the organic substrates MK571, probenecid, taurocholic acid, estrone sulfate, and bromosulfophthalein and inhibited by high concentrations of extracellular GSH. Single cell analysis demonstrated that intracellular GSH loss was paralleled by the activation of an organic anion uptake process, supporting the role of an anion exchange mechanism (SLCO/OATP-like transport) in GSH efflux induced by FasL. Additionally, high extracellular GSH inhibited the activation of the execution caspases, the cleavage of their substrates poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and α-fodrin, and DNA degradation. In contrast, the trans-stimulation of GSH efflux by MK571 increased the cleavage of the execution caspases and their substrates. Together these results suggest that GSH efflux during FasL-induced apoptosis is mediated by a SLCO/OATP-like transport mechanism that modulates the progression of the execution phase of apoptosis.
Effects of site preparation on timber and non-timber values of loblolly pine plantations

Abstract This study evaluated the timber and non-timber values of the forest stands generated by four site preparation methods tested in the Tuskegee National Forest 15 yr earlier. The timber values of the forest stands were assessed with the timber yields predicted by the SE TWIGS model. Non-timber benefits were evaluated through the Contingent Valuation Method. Two hundred residents randomly selected from three counties surrounding or near the National Forest were interviewed. The survey results indicate that the majority (62%) of the respondents felt that the National Forest should be managed for both timber and non-timber products. Of the four site preparation methods, the soil-active herbicide method was projected to produce the highest timber value. For non-timber benefits, the respondents preferred the forest stand without site preparation to those generated using chainsaw felling, soil-active herbicide, and tree injection methods. When both timber and non-timber values are considered, no site preparation is in general the best alternative that seems to meet the desires of the various groups of citizens with different or even conflicting preferences over timber and non-timber products.
Susceptibility to lymphomas and expression of c-type rna viruses during the graft versus host reaction.

Abstract The relationship between C-type RNA viruses and the development of lymphomas was examined in mice undergoing the chronic GVHR. The GVHR was induced in F 1 hybrid recipients by administration of parental spleen cells; donor strains were selected from lines that expressed abundant, few or no detectable ecotropic viruses. There was no correlation between titer of C-type RNA viruses (both ecotropic and xenotropic) and the occurrence of lymphomas. In one combination that failed to express any detectable ecotropic virus, SWR → (SWR × NZB)F 1 , lymphomas occurred in relatively high incidence. The results suggested that antigen-stimulated lymphocytes, which proliferate in abundance during the GVHR, may be preferentially susceptible to malignant transformation by viruses that, in other cells, are only weakly oncogenic or even non-oncogenic. In the course of these experiments we also found that NZB mice posses a dominant gene (or genes) that determines high-grade expression of xenotropic virus in crosses with other strains that express little or no xenotropic virus.
The original shapes of quartz silt grains: a test of the validity of the use of quartz grain shape analysis to determine the sources of terrigenous silt in marine sedimentary deposits

Abstract The results of a study of the original shapes of quartz silt grains that are released from plutonic, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks of varied age, origin and lithology are reported. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the validity of quartz grain shape analysis as a technique for determining the sources of terrigenous silt within marine sedimentary deposits by showing that different sources of terrigenous silt release quartz silt grains with different shapes. There are four major types of sources that release quartz silt grains with different and distinctive shapes. Crystalline rocks release a mixture of crystalline grains (with subrounded and subangular outlines, crystalline nodes, and grain embayments) and fractured grains (with angular outlines, microfractures, deformation sheets, and fracture faces). Quartz-cemented sedimentary rocks release overgrown grains (with subangular to angular outlines and quartz overgrowths) and lesser numbers of rounded grains (with rounded and subrounded outlines and abraded grain surfaces). Glacial deposits release fractured grains (with angular outlines, microfractures, deformation sheets, fracture faces, micro-blocks, and comminution debris). Lastly, quartzose multicyclic sediments release abundant rounded grains (with rounded or subrounded outlines and abraded and weathered surfaces). Therefore, the results indicate that quartz grain shape analysis is generally a valid technique for determining the sources of silt. However, there are exceptions to this generalization, for there are some sediment sources (e.g., first-cycle coastal plain sediments) that inherit and release grain shape types which are released from other sediment sources (e.g., crystalline rocks). Thus, the application of quartz grain shape analysis to the study of the sources of terrigenous silt for a given study area requires some knowledge about the major sediment sources which are available to that study area, for this knowledge will define the limitations of this sourcing technique.
Noise-sustained structure in Taylor-Couette flow with through flow

We report experimental and theoretical results for the absolute and convective instability boundaries in Taylor-Couette flow with imposed axial flow as a function of the axial Reynolds number. Experiment and theory agree quantitatively. In the downstream region of a large-aspect-ratio system, noise-sustained structures of traveling vortices exist in much of the convectively unstable regime. These structures have a nearly time-independent amplitude, but a noisy phase. The phase noise ceases abruptly upon crossing the absolute instability boundary.