cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CaV channels reject signaling from a second CaM in eliciting Ca2+-dependent feedback regulation

Calmodulin (CaM) regulation of voltage-gated calcium (CaV1-2) channels is a powerful Ca2+-feedback mechanism to adjust channel activity in response to Ca2+ influx. Despite progress in resolving mechanisms of CaM-CaV feedback, the stoichiometry of CaM interaction with CaV channels remains ambiguous. Functional studies that tethered CaM to CaV1.2 suggested that a single CaM sufficed for Ca2+ feedback, yet biochemical, FRET, and structural studies showed that multiple CaM molecules interact with distinct interfaces within channel cytosolic segments, suggesting that functional Ca2+ regulation may be more nuanced. Resolving this ambiguity is critical as CaM is enriched in subcellular domains where CaV channels reside, such as the cardiac dyad. We here localized multiple CaMs to the CaV nanodomain by tethering either WT or mutant CaM that lack Ca2+-binding capacity to the pore-forming α-subunit of CaV1.2, CaV1.3, and CaV2.1 and/or the auxiliary β2A subunit. We observed that a single CaM tethered to either the α or β2A subunit tunes Ca2+ regulation of CaV channels. However, when multiple CaMs are localized concurrently, CaV channels preferentially respond to signaling from the α-subunit–tethered CaM. Mechanistically, the introduction of a second IQ domain to the CaV1.3 carboxyl tail switched the apparent functional stoichiometry, permitting two CaMs to mediate functional regulation. In all, Ca2+ feedback of CaV channels depends exquisitely on a single CaM preassociated with the α-subunit carboxyl tail. Additional CaMs that colocalize with the channel complex are unable to trigger Ca2+-dependent feedback of channel gating but may support alternate regulatory functions.
Barriers to home dialysis: Unraveling the tapestry of policy

Home dialysis use as a treatment for end-stage kidney disease varies locally, nationally, and internationally. There is a call to action in the United States to significantly increase access and uptake of home dialysis as the preferred dialysis treatment option. Although most do not object to patient choice in modality selection, the reality is that there are multilevel barriers both obvious and subtle that interfere with expanding home dialysis access. Financial barriers and how payment is structured continue to be key drivers, although new models of care are emerging that include for the first time incentives rather than penalties regarding home dialysis. Resources to support implementation include expert personnel requiring educational training. Policies requiring training curriculum content that is not only specified within nephrology but also for these multidisciplinary providers requisite for successful home dialysis to ensure professional expertise is ready and available, and also to cultivate champions of home modality within the broader nephrology community. Perhaps most importantly, innovation through expanded investment in research is necessary to advance practices, elevate quality, and improve outcomes. Policy in a variety of sectors at local, regional, national, and international levels has the potential to drastically drive expansion and increasing success of home dialysis.
Laser annealing for radiatively broadened MoSe 2 grown by chemical vapor deposition

We report on a laser annealing procedure which greatly improves the quality of suspended monolayers of chemical vapor deposition grown ${\mathrm{MoSe}}_{2}$. Annealing with a green laser locally heats the suspended flake to approximately 600 K, which both removes contaminants and reduces strain gradients. At 4 K, we observe linewidths as narrow as 3.5 meV (1.6 nm) full width at half maximum for both photoluminescence and reflection. Large peak reflectances up to 47% are also observed. These values are comparable to those of the highest quality hexagonal boron nitride encapsulated samples. We demonstrate that this laser annealing process can yield highly spatially homogeneous samples, with the length scale of the homogeneity limited primarily by the size of the suspended area. Annealed regions are very stable, exhibiting negligible deterioration over 24 h at cryogenic temperatures. The annealing method is also very repeatable, with substantial improvements of sample quality on every spot ($g40$) tested.
Valid vs. Invalid straightlining: The complex relationship between straightlining and data quality

Straightlining – the tendency to give the same response to a series of grouped questions – can be the result of satisficing respondents. As a result, many survey practitioners use straightlining as one, and sometimes the only, indicator of data quality. Respondents identified as straightliners are often removed from the data set on the assumption that their answers are meaningless. In this paper we show that these practices are based on a logical fallacy and demonstrate that in many common survey formats, the incidence of straightlining can be increased by improving the validity and the reliability of survey questions. We take initial steps in investigating the complexities and challenges of data analysis by providing a formal definition of valid straightlining and leverage that definition in a series of Monte Carlo simulations to better understand the conditions that give rise to valid straightlining. Although it remains for future work to distinguish valid from invalid straightliners, our formal definition of the concept and our simulation methods augment the tools survey analysts employ in assessing the prevalence of low effort respondents in survey data sets. The paper thereby takes initial steps toward sounder methods of classifying straightliners as optimizers or satisficers.
Establishment of the predator Laricobius nigrinus, introduced as a biological control agent for hemlock woolly adelgid in Virginia, USA

Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predatory beetle native to western North America, has been released since 2003 for management of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), a non-native pest killing hemlocks in eastern North America. Over 420,000 L. nigrinus have been released in the eastern USA from field and lab-reared sources, 14,000 of which were deployed in the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA. In order to determine the establishment rates of L. nigrinus in Virginia, surveys were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at all release sites within this state. During the study, stand-level HWA densities were estimated, and hemlock tree health and predator–prey ratios were quantified. The identification of Laricobius spp. recoveries were made using microsatellite analysis. During the period of the study, L. nigrinus were found to have established at 82% of Virginia release sites and were the primary species recovered (80%). Both Laricobius rubidus (18%) and hybrids (2%) were also recovered. Stand-level HWA densities varied greatly over sites and years but showed a general decline in year two of the study. Establishment at such a high percentage of release sites suggests that the climate in Virginia is suitable for the predator and the insect is adaptable to the wide variety of site conditions where hemlocks typically grow.
Past, Present, and Future of DNA Typing for Analyzing Human and Non-Human Forensic Samples

Forensic DNA analysis has vastly evolved since the first forensic samples were evaluated by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Methodologies advanced from gel electrophoresis techniques to capillary electrophoresis and now to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Capillary electrophoresis was and still is the standard method used in forensic analysis. However, dependent upon the information needed, there are several different techniques that can be used to type a DNA fragment. Short tandem repeat (STR) fragment analysis, Sanger Sequencing, SNapShot, and Capillary Electrophoresis-Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (CE-SSCP) are a few of the techniques that have been used for the genetic analysis of DNA samples. NGS is the newest and most revolutionary technology and has the potential to be the next standard for genetic analysis. This review briefly encompasses many of the techniques and applications that have been utilized for the analysis of human and nonhuman DNA samples.
A multi-site qualitative study examining pharmacy student perspectives on the opioid crisis

Objective. To determine pharmacy students' perspectives regarding opioid use, the opioid crisis, and pharmacy education related to both topics.Methods. Students from each professional year at eight participating schools and colleges of pharmacy were invited to participate in focus groups and answer questions about their experiences with the opioid crisis. Faculty and/or staff moderated the focus groups and audio-recorded responses. Recordings were deidentified, transcribed, and analyzed.Results. One hundred fifty students participated in one of 29 focus groups conducted. Responses were categorized according to themes using consensual qualitative research (CQR) methodology. Sources impacting student views on the crisis included school, personal and work experience, and media. Perspective changes since starting school included increased knowledge and awareness and decreased bias/stigma.Conclusion. Conducting focus groups on the opioid crisis provided pharmacy schools with information on what student pharmacists are learning about the crisis, practices they see, and their recommendations to address the crisis. Pharmacy schools can better prepare students to combat the opioid crisis by providing them with training in opioid counseling, use of naloxone, and how to have difficult conversations with patients.
Successful management of acquired pinhole subglottic stenosis by multidisciplinary pediatric airway team

The concept of neonatal and pediatric airway team is somewhat new in India. : In Western countries, though this concept has been established recently, it remains only limited to children's hospitals. We report the case of a 15-month-old girl with failure to thrive and critical life-threatening severe subglottic stenosis. She was managed in a comprehensive manner by multidisciplinary pediatric airway team at a tertiary-level children's hospital.
Bounded Rationality in Learning, Perception, Decision-Making, and Stochastic Games

Current algorithms that try to emulate “human-like” decision-making and perception capabilities for autonomous systems are computationally very demanding. We propose to utilize bounded rationality ideas for generating suitable hierarchical abstractions to handle demanding tasks under time and other resource constraints, when exact optimality/rationality may be elusive. These abstractions can be utilized in order to focus the available computational resources on the relevant part of the problem in a top-down, task-specific manner. The bounded rational paradigm for decision-making can also be extended to the case of stochastic games formulated in terms of competitive Markov decision processes in order to account for the presence of competing/adversarial agents.
Methods for Expressing Robot Intent for Human–Robot Collaboration in Shared Workspaces

Human–robot collaboration is becoming increasingly common in factories around the world; accordingly, we need to improve the interaction experiences between humans and robots working in these spaces. In this article, we report on a user study that investigated methods for providing information to a person about a robot’s intent to move when working together in a shared workspace through signals provided by the robot. In this case, the workspace was the surface of a tabletop. Our study tested the effectiveness of three motion-based and three light-based intent signals as well as the overall level of comfort participants felt while working with the robot to sort colored blocks on the tabletop. Although not significant, our findings suggest that the light signal located closest to the workspace—an LED bracelet located closest to the robot’s end effector—was the most noticeable and least confusing to participants. These findings can be leveraged to support human–robot collaborations in shared spaces.
Acute coronary syndrome and transient global amnesia with sumatriptan.

Abstract Triptans are potent serotoninergic vasoconstrictors. They are generally avoided in elderly patients age greater than 65 or in patients with a history of CAD. Although there are reported cases of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) or Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) in patients after ingesting therapeutic doses of triptan or dihydroergotamine, this is the first case report, up to our knowledge, of a patient, who had no previous cardiac history, that was diagnosed with both ACS and TGA. A 59-year-old woman with a long-standing history of migraine, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hypothyroidism, presented to the Emergency Department (ED) complaining of amnesia, chest pain, and left arm numbness after ingesting a single dose of oral sumatriptan approximately 1–2 h prior to arrival. She had no recollection of the events that occurred after taking sumatriptan. No acute laboratory abnormalities were found except for an elevated troponin, which continued to trend upwards. Her EKG had no ST-T wave abnormalities. She was diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), non-ST elevation MI. She had a negative noncontrast CT head. Neurology was consulted for her amnesia and diagnosed her with Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). They recommended discontinuing sumatriptan and beginning topiramate as a prophylactic therapy. There is an increasing number of reports delineating sumatriptan's adverse effects. Emergency medicine physicians should promptly recognize the toxic effects and adverse reactions from triptans. Sumatriptan-induced vasoconstriction may lead to cardiac and cerebral ischemic events.
A Quality Initiative to Decrease Time Until Analgesic for Fracture-associated Pain in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Long bone fractures are a common cause of pain in the pediatric emergency department (PED), and ensuring timely delivery of analgesic medications is essential for these children. We aimed to decrease the median time to the first dose of analgesic for long bone fracture-associated pain in our PED to 36 minutes or less by July 1, 2015. Methods A series of 4 initiatives were implemented in successive "plan, do, study, act" rapid cycles. Initiatives consisted of educational interventions for staff regarding Emergency Severity Index procedures for triaging pain, transition to in-room triage, enhanced communication about quality goals using a "quality board," and ongoing staff educational sessions on outlier cases as well as biases and barriers to quality. Results We implemented the initiatives from April through July of 2015. The monthly median time to analgesic delivery for long bone fracture-associated pain in the PED decreased from 72 minutes in April to 33.5 minutes in July of 2015. For 12 months following the first intervention, the average monthly median time to the first analgesic dose was 48.5 versus 66.3 minutes for the prior 12 months. Conclusions A series of 4 interventions led to a decrease in the median time to the first dose of analgesic for long bone fracture-associated pain in the PED.
Chapter 10 – RETRACTED: Statistical Regularities Allow Multiple Feature Values to Be Stored as Discrete Units

Removal text: This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). Because authors Awh, Vogel, and Brissenden no longer have confidence in the reported findings, this chapter is retracted with the agreement of all authors.
Tools for Forms Administrators

The area of forms interfaces to database management systems was pioneered by Moshe Zloof with his Query-By-Example (QBE) interface.(1) Recent research has extended the tabular interface of QBE to the more natural forms interface. The forms interface has been considered by the codasyl End User Facilities Committee(2) as
A Posteriori Eigenvalue Error Estimation for the Schrödinger Operator with the Inverse Square Potential

We develop an a posteriori error estimate of hierarchical type for Dirichlet eigenvalue problems of the form $(-\Delta+(c/r)^2)\psi=\lambda \psi$ on bounded domains $\Omega$, where $r$ is the distance to the origin, which is assumed to be in $\overline\Omega$. This error estimate is proven to be asymptotically identical to the eigenvalue approximation error on a family of geometrically-graded meshes. Numerical experiments demonstrate this asymptotic exactness in practice.
A Brief History of United States Forest Management Policy

Active federal management of U.S. national forests began with President Theodore Roosevelt’s creation of the U.S. Forest Service in 1905. The Forest Service exercised substantial independence in its operations until after World War II. In the early 1950s it was one of the most popular and respected federal agencies. After WWII sociopolitical developments and Congressional inducements led the Forest service to expand logging in national forests using clear cutting techniques. These and other policies aroused widespread opposition, ultimately contributing to enactment of the Wilderness Act (1964) and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976. Clear cutting was curbed, along with the longstanding earlier policy of fire suppression. The NFMA’s detailed guidance provisions sharply reduced the Forest Service’s independence. It mandated public input into all forest management plans. From the 1980s lack of confidence in the Forest Service’s independence (i.e. ability to operate without undue influence by pressure for logging or other commercial uses of forest lands) fostered increasing activism toward forest preservation (as contrasted with conservation) by environmental organizations. Their legal and political influence on Forest Service actions and policies had been greatly enhanced by 1970s laws including the National Environmental Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. When initial attempts to stop logging of old growth and other forested areas proved unsuccessful, a series of lawsuits invoking protection of the habitat of the Northern Spotted Owl ultimately curtailed logging in major areas of federal lands in the Western states. Downsides of the current legal and sociopolitical constraints on the Forest Service and other federal agencies’ policies include major constraints on their ability to adopt flexible management strategies to deal with insect diseases. A major current threat is posed by bark beetle epidemics in lodgepole pine forests in Colorado and Wyoming. These epidemics are reported to be aggravated by drought and warming trends associated with climate change. Another affected area is the U.S.’s ability to use wood products from federally managed forests to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Both problems are documented by recent comparisons of German and American forest policies made by a Montana professor of forest science. Germany has a long tradition of interest in and skilled management of its forests. Germany has about the same area and forest cover as Montana. Scientifically managed harvest of insect-infested and killed trees in the province of Bavaria alone has not only prevented insect epidemics. These harvests produce 2 billion board feet of wood annually, equaling the total production of wood from all U.S. national forests. One third of the Bavarian population uses forest products for home heating.
Informational Determinants of Customer Acquisition and eTailer Revenue

Firms have leveraged the Internet in innumerable ways to derive business value from this technology. However, one class of firm that is distinctively dependent on this platform is the online retailer or eTailer. One aspect of this distinctiveness is that eTailers depend on their Web portals to attract customers, engage them in purchase activities, and execute transactions connected with a purchase ultimately leading to revenue generation. In this study, we wish to examine the informational determinants of this customer interaction and their relationship to eTailer revenue. We propose a two-phase path model of customer acquisition leading to revenue generation. Informational determinants are included in the path structure. The model is empirically tested using a dataset of 500 eTailers. The results indicate that the model is able to explain a large proportion of the variability in financial performance of these eTailers. We find that the type of information made available on the eTailer’s website, along with transactional capabilities and customizability, significantly correlate with customer acquisition. Analytical capability correlated significantly with the transition to phase two – which we refer to as conversion. These findings have implications for information technology governance within firms as they manage their IT investments to deliver maximum value.
Iceshelf 2002 - Underwater acoustics in the Arctic environment

Iceshelf 2002- underwater acoustics in the Arctic environment was discussed. This Arctic trial was conducted on shore-fast ice west of CFS alert, on the north coast of Ellesmere Island, in March-May 2002. The difficulties associated in carrying out underwater acoustic research in Arctic environment were presented. Holes were drilled through thick ice to investigate acoustic propagation underwater.
Who are Africa's (Non) Ethnic Voters? Evaluating Theories on the Salience of Ethnicity in African Electoral Politics

The political salience of ethnicity in Africa is well-established, but these identities are by no means the sole determiners of individuals’ political preferences and behaviors, either. Substantial variation exists within and between countries in terms of individuals’ likelihood of voting for co-ethnics. In an attempt to identify factors contributing to this variation, this paper draws upon three theoretical approaches. First, some versions of modernization theory suggest that educated, urbanized voters with greater access to mass media will be more likely to embrace global, rather than parochial, identities, and will therefore be more open to voting across ethnic lines. Second, theories of strategic voting would suggest that the relative size of an individual’s ethnic group should impact tendencies toward ethnic voting. Finally, ethnic voting might be more common under some electoral institutions than under others. Hypotheses are tested using data drawn from the third round of the Afrobarometer survey. The dependent variable - ethnic voting - is operationalized according to individuals’ support for the consensus candidate of their ethnic group. The analysis finds support for “classical” modernization theories, and finds significant correlations between the size of an individual’s ethnic group at both the national and local levels and ethnic voting. Finally, ethnic voting seems to be more common, ceteris paribus, under proportional representation rules and less common under majoritarian presidential election rules.
A prospective study of stressful events, coping motives for drinking, and alcohol use among middle-aged adults.

Objective:This prospective study investigated moderator variable models of the interrelationships among stressful events, coping motives for drinking, and current alcohol use on subsequent alcohol use across a 5-year window with middle-aged adults.Method:Data from women (n = 716; Mage = 55.29 years at baseline) and men (n = 505; Mage = 57.57 years at baseline) were used to examine theory-guided hypotheses that current levels of alcohol use would interact with stressful events and coping motives for drinking to predict higher levels of alcohol use across time. Analyses were conducted separately for men and women.Results:After we controlled for several potentially important covariates (i.e., age, educational level, family income, and marital status), prospective regression analyses supported moderator effects for current alcohol use and stressful events as predictors of changes in alcohol use, and a somewhat weaker consistency of moderator effects for current alcohol use and coping motives for drinking as p...
In-Service Inspection of Steam-Generator Tubing Using Multiple-Frequency Eddy-Current Techniques

A rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use inspection method for steam generator tubes is clearly needed and not entirely provided by our present eddy-current tests. The signals from eddy-current tests are affected by changes in tube wall thickness, the location and size of defects, the electrical conductivity, the magnetic permeability, and the tube-to-tube support spacing and denting (which changes the probe to tube spacing). Simultaneous variations in these test properties produce signals that are ambiguous in present commercial eddy-current instruments. However, this type of multiple property eddy-current testing can be done using pulsed techniques or multiple frequencies. A systematic, automated process has been developed at ORNL to allow rapid development of accurate multiple property eddy-current tests.
The Dreaming Brain

* Introduction: A Brain-Based Approach to Dreaming Early Dream Science * The Study of Dreaming in the Nineteenth Century * Psychoanalysis and Dreaming * Dream Investigation in the Early Twentieth Century Dreaming And Neurobiology * A Spark of Natures Fire: The Electrical Brain * The Regulation of Consciousness by the Brain Stem * The Discovery of REM Sleep and Dreaming A New Model Of The Dreaming Brain * A Window on the Brain: Neural Activity * A War of Nerves: The Reciprocal-Interaction Model of REM-Sleep Generation * The Brain as a Dream Machine: An Activation-Synthesis Hypothesis of Dreaming Dream Form: The Journal Of The Engine Man * The Form of Dreams * The Form of Dream Sensation * The Form of Dream Movement * The Bizarreness of Dreams * The Interpretation of Dream Form The Future Of Dream Science * The Functions of REM Sleep and Dreaming
Homeobox genes and male reproductive development.

Purpose: Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that dictate developmental events in philogenetically diverse organisms. In comparison to what is known about their role in embryogenesis, we know very little concerning homeobox gene function in neonates or adults. In this communication, we review studies that address the possible role of homebox genes in male reproductive development, a system active in neonate and adult animals. Methods: Studies have shown that many homeobox genes are expressed in germ cells of the testis, while less is known about the identity of homeobox genes expressed in somatic cells of the testis or epididymis. Hox homeobox genes display a pattern of expression in testis that is dependent on their paralogous and orthologous position within the Hox gene chromosome clusters. Other homeobox genes are expressed in the male reproductive system, including many POU and Prd/Pax homeobox gene family members. More recently, it has been shown that the orphan homeobox gene, Pem, originally isolated by subtraction hybridization on the basis of its differential expression in tumor cell lines, is selectively expressed in reproductive tissue. Alternatively spliced Pem transcripts accumulate in testis and epididymis that differ from those expressed in tumors and placenta. Pem transcripts accumulate postnatally in the epididymis in a developmentally regulated manner. Conclusions: The highly regulated pattern of expression exhibited by many homeobox genes in the male reproductive system suggests that homeobox transcription factors may dictate developmental events in this system. However, future studies are needed to determine the specific functional roles of homeobox genes in male reproductive development and spermatogenesis.
Accelerated functional recovery after skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury using freshly isolated bone marrow cells.

Abstract : Background: Relatively little information exists regarding the usefulness of bone marrow derived cells for skeletal muscle ischemia reperfusion injury (I/R), especially when compared with I/R that occurs in other tissues. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the ability of freshly isolated bone marrow cells to home to injured skeletal muscle and to determine their effects on muscle regeneration. Materials and methods: Freshly isolated lineage depleted bone marrow cells (Lin BMCs) were injected intravenously 2 d after I/R. Bioluminescent imaging was used to evaluate cell localization for up to 28 d after injury. Muscle function, the percentage of fibers with centrally located nuclei, and the capillary to fiber ratio were evaluated 14 d after delivery of either saline (Saline) or saline containing Lin BMCs (Lin BMCs). Results: Bioluminescence was higher in the injured leg than the contralateral control leg for up to 7 d after injection (P 0.05) suggestive of cell homing to the injured skeletal muscle. Fourteen days after injury, there was a significant improvement in maximal tetanic torque (40% versus 22% deficit; P 0.05), a faster rate of force production ( dP/dt) (123.6 versus 94.5 Nmm/S; P 0.05), and a reduction in the percentage of fibers containing centrally located nuclei (40 versus 17%; P 0.05), but no change in the capillary to fiber ratio in the Lin BMC as compared with the Saline group. Conclusions: The homing of freshly isolated BMCs to injured skeletal muscle after I/R is associated with an increase in functional outcomes.
A Validated GC-MS Assay for the Quantitation of Trichloroethylene (TCE) from Drinking Water

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common ground and surface water contaminant found in the United States. A validated GC-MS assay for the quantitation of TCE in drinking water is presented here. The limit of quantitation, 5 µg/L, is lower than current validated methods for the analysis of TCE from water. This assay requires a small sample volume, has simple sample preparation, fast run time, high recovery, and reproducible and accurate results.
Human Factors Research on Data Modeling: A Review of Prior Research, An Extended Framework and Future Research Directions

This study reviews and synthesizes human factors research on conceptual data modeling. In addition to analyzing the variables used in earlier studies and summarizing the results of this stream of research, we propose a new framework to help with future efforts in this area. The study finds that prior research has focused on issues that are relevant when conceptual models are used for communication between systems analysts and developers (Analyst â€“ Developer models) whereas the issues important for models that are used to facilitate communication between analysts and users (User â€“ Analyst models) have received little attention and, hence, require a significantly stronger role in future research. In addition, we emphasize the importance of building a strong theoretical foundation and using it to guide future empirical work in this area.
Therapeutic advances in leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome over the past 40 years

Major therapeutic progress has been accomplished in leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) over the past 40 years, which may not be fully appreciated by the larger medical community. The objective of this review was to briefly highlight the treatment breakthroughs in leukemia and MDS. Therapeutic progress happened through better understanding of disease pathophysiologies and rational development of targeted agents, like imatinib mesylate in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and through astute, empirical discoveries in the clinic, like all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and chlorodeoxyadenosine in hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Today, the 5- to 10-year survival rates in patients with APL and HCL exceed 80%. In patients with CML, imatinib therapy has been associated with estimated 5- to 7-year survival rates from 85% to 90%. In patients with adult acute lymphocytic leukemia, modern intensive regimens have improved the 5-year survival rates from 20% up to 40%. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chemoimmunotherapy recently produced high rates of quality responses and improved long-term outcome. In younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the 5-year survival rates range from 40% to 50%, although elderly AML remains a therapeutic challenge. In patients with MDS, it was recently demonstrated that epigenetic therapy with hypomethylating agents improved survival. Much therapeutic progress has been witnessed in leukemia and MDS, and much more is expected to occur soon.
On Some Zero Configurations Associated with the van der Waerden Conjecture

Abstract Let A be a permanent minimizing doubly stochastic matrix. This paper discusses the maximum number of zeros which can occur in any row or column of A. The results are applied to reaffirming the van der Waerden conjecture in the cases n⩽4.
Implementation outcomes of a multiinstitutional web-based ethical, legal, and social implications genetics curriculum for primary care residents in three specialties.

Purpose: Medical genetics lends itself to disseminated teaching methods because of mismatches between numbers of physicians having patients with genetic disorders and availability of genetic specialists. Method: During 3 years, we implemented an interactive, web-based curriculum on ethical, legal, and social implications in medical genetics for primary care residents in three specialties at three institutions. Residents took five (of 10) cases and three (of five) tutorials that varied by specialty. We assessed changes in self-efficacy (primary outcome), knowledge, application, and viewpoints. Results: Overall enrollment was 69% (279/403). One institution did not complete implementation and was dropped from pre-post comparisons. We developed a six-factor ethical, legal, and social implications self-efficacy scale (Cronbach α = 0.95). Baseline self-efficacy was moderate (71/115; range: 23–115) and increased 15% after participation. Pre-post knowledge scores were high and unchanged. Residents reported that this curriculum covered ethical, legal, and social implications/genetics better than their usual curricula. Most (68–91%) identified advantages, especially in providing flexibility and stimulating self-directed learning. After participation, residents reported creating learning goals (66%) and acting on those goals (62%). Conclusions: Ethical, legal, and social implications genetics curricular participation led to modest self-efficacy gains. Residents reported that the curriculum covered unique content areas, had advantages over traditional curriculum, and that they applied ethical, legal, and social implications content clinically. We share lessons from developing and implementing this complex web-based curriculum across multiple institutions.
Using hydrophilic polymers to improve uptake of manganese fertilizers by soybeans

Manganese deficiency in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a common problem in many parts of the world. Recent research has demonstrated that the addition of gel-forming hydrophilic polymers with plant nutrients may enhance the availability and effectiveness of some soil-applied nutrients. This greenhouse study was designed to determine if the addition of hydrated cross-linked polyacrylamide polymers could increase plant recovery of commonly used Mn fertilizers by soybeans. Four Mn sources (MnO, MnSO4·4H2O, MnCl2, and MnEDTA) were band applied at two concentrations to a low-Mn soil with and without one of two polymers. Addition of either polymer alone or MnO had no effect on leaf or stem Mn concentration, but when MnSO4·4H2O, MnCl2, or MnEDTA were added with a polymer, leaf Mn accumulation swere increased an average of 89%, compared with those Mn sources applied alone. Plant accumulation of Mn from MnO was no greater than the control treatment and uptake was not increased following the addition of polymer. At the conclusion of the experiment, the polymers were still hydrated and the fertilizer band contained an abundance of roots. The use of a hydrophilic polymer with soluble Mn fertilizers appears to enhance the recovery by plants and may lead to lower Mn application rates or perhaps less frequent applications.
Hierarchical Processor And Matched Filters For Range Image Processing

The use of range imagery and new-processing techniques for multi-class object invariant recognition are presented here. Techniques investigated involve different hierarchical processors with emphasis given to processors using correlation filters and histogram processing. The use of range imagery is shown to significantly improve classification in many cases especially with severe distortions in the object orientation. Histogram operations are appropriate for providing aspect angle estimates with aircraft objects. Initial experimental results are shown for each technique and with several data bases.
Multiparticle production in weak coupling theories in the Lipatov approach

Abstract We study the amplitudes with a large number of external legs in gφ 4 theory within the Lipatov approach. This approach has been originally suggested to determine how the amplitudes with a fixed number of external lines depend on the order of perturbation theory, at large orders. We discuss the generalization of this method to amplitudes with a large number of external legs, N , and few or no loops at all (tree-level multiparticle amplitudes). We show that the N -dependence in this limit is under theoretical control and we reproduce the factorial growth discussed in the literature. We elucidate the relation between the alleged onset of the strong-coupling regime in multiparticle production and the well-known problem of the divergence of perturbation theory at large orders. We argue that if the number of particles produced exceeds a critical value the cross sections are bounded by exp(−const./ g ).
Relationship between swelling and irradiation creep in cold-worked PCA stainless steel irradiated to ~ 178 dpa at ~ 400°C☆

Abstract The eighth and final irradiation segment for pressurized tubes constructed from the fusion Prime Candidate Alloy (PCA) has been completed in FFTF. At 178 dpa and ~ 400°C, the irradiation creep of 20% cold-worked PCA has become dominated by the “creep disappearance” phenomenon. The total diametral deformation rate has reached the limiting value of 0.33%/dpa at the three highest stress levels employed in this test. The stress-enhancement of swelling tends to camouflage the onset of creep disappearance, however, requiring the use of several non-traditional techniques to extract the creep coefficients. No failures occurred in these tubes, even though the swelling ranged from ~ 20 to 40%.
Design and synthesis of monofunctionalized, water-soluble conjugated polymers for biosensing and imaging applications.

Water-soluble conjugated polymers with controlled molecular weight characteristics, absence of ionic groups, high emission quantum yields, and end groups capable of selective reactions of wide scope are desirable for improving their performance in various applications and, in particular, fluorescent biosensor schemes. The synthesis of such a structure is described herein. 2-Bromo-7-iodofluorene with octakis(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether chains at the 9,9′-positions, i.e., compound 4, was prepared as the reactive premonomer. A high-yielding synthesis of the organometallic initiator (dppe)Ni(Ph)Br (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) was designed and implemented, and the resulting product was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Polymerization of 4 by (dppe)Ni(Ph)Br can be carried out in less than 30 s, affording excellent control over the average molecular weight and polydispersity of the product. Quenching of the polymerization with [2-(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]magnesium br...
Response to letter by Levine et al.

Levine, Tonning, and Szarfman provide a critique [1] of our publications in which we shared observations and concluding discussions consistent with those of other researchers (C. Gerrits, personal communication) [2–7]. Some of the richest learning experiences arise from the free and lively exchange of ideas expressed in letters to the editor, so we feel privileged to participate in a dialogue that may help illuminate the current state of data mining in pharmacovigilance (PV). Herein, we address specific statements and posthoc analysis/interpretations in their letter. To comply with editorial limitations, we can only address key points.
Stepping around the Brick Wall: Overcoming Student Obstacles in Methods Courses.

Many political science departments offer, and increasing numbers of them require, undergraduate research methods courses. At the same time, studies cite high levels of student anxiety about such courses. Utilizing survey data from both students who take and faculty who teach methods, we conduct an analysis that compares the barriers students and faculty independently perceive. Next, we share results from our own exploratory assessment technique, which evaluates our success in increasing student confidence with regard to conducting research. Finally, we present specific exercises and assignments which can serve as solutions to student barriers. We argue that conscious reflection as to where students lack confidence and assessment of our efforts allows instructors to approach teaching methods more effectively.
Kinetic studies on the dehydration of trans-dichlorotetrammine-cobalt (III) iodate dihydrate

The dehydration of trans-[Co(NH3)4Cl2)IO3·2H2O was studied isothermally by t.g.a. In the 0.1 < α < 0.8 range, where α is the fraction of the reaction complete, most of the runs gave the best fit to a second order rate law. Early stages of the reaction appear to follow a rate law based on reaction order while later stages (0.3 < α < 0.5) appear to be controlled by diffusion of H2O. The reaction in the 0.1 < α < 0.3 range gave a best fit to a third order rate law, while the 0.3 < α < 0.5 range gave the best fit to a three dimensional control rate law. The activation energy for the overall reaction was ca. 103 kJ mol−1. For α < 0.3 the activation energy was ca. 79.9 kJ mol−1, but for 0.3 < α < 0.5 it was ca. 110 kJ mol−1.
Hydroxyl ion addition to one-electron oxidized thymine: unimolecular interconversion of C5 to C6 OH-adducts.

In this work, addition of OH– to one-electron oxidized thymidine (dThd) and thymine nucleotides in basic aqueous glasses is investigated. At pHs ca. 9–10 where the thymine base is largely deprotonated at N3, one-electron oxidation of the thymine base by Cl2•– at ca. 155 K results in formation of a neutral thyminyl radical, T(−H)·. Assignment to T(−H)· is confirmed by employing 15N substituted 5′-TMP. At pH ≥ ca. 11.5, formation of the 5-hydroxythymin-6-yl radical, T(5OH)·, is identified as a metastable intermediate produced by OH– addition to T(−H)· at C5 at ca. 155 K. Upon further annealing to ca. 170 K, T(5OH)· readily converts to the 6-hydroxythymin-5-yl radical, T(6OH)·. One-electron oxidation of N3-methyl-thymidine (N3-Me-dThd) by Cl2•– at ca. 155 K produces the cation radical (N3-Me-dThd•+) for which we find a pH dependent competition between deprotonation from the methyl group at C5 and addition of OH– to C5. At pH 7, the 5-methyl deprotonated species is found; however, at pH ca. 9, N3-Me-dThd•+ pr...
Model-size reduction technique for the analysis of symmetric anisotropic structures

A two‐step computational procedure is presented for reducing the size of the analysis model for an anisotropic symmetric structure to that of the corresponding orthotropic structure. The key elements of the procedure are: (a) decomposition of the stiffness matrix into the sum of an orthotropic and non‐orthotropic (anisotropic) parts; and (b) successive application of the finite element method and the classical Rayleigh—Ritz technique. The finite element method is first used to generate few global approximation vectors (or modes). Then the amplitudes of these modes are computed by using the Rayleigh—Ritz technique. The global approximation vectors are selected to be the solution corresponding to zero non‐orthotropic matrix and its various‐order derivatives with respect to an anisotropic tracing parameter (identifying the non‐orthotropic material coefficients). The size of the analysis model used in generating the global approximation vectors is identical to that of the corresponding orthotropic structure. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated by means of numerical examples and its potential for solving other quasi‐symmetric problems is discussed.
Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the experimental production of ulcers

1. Loops of intestines of 48 dogs were exposed to 0.1 per cent pepsin in N/10 HCl under various hyrostatic pressures. 2. A rise in intraintestinal pressure resulted in a marked increase in the extent of peptic digestion which led to perforation in a short time. At 45 cm. pressure the average time for perforation was 300 minutes; at 90 cm. pressure, 82 minutes; and at 135 cm. pressure only 41 minutes.
Dislocation drag processes in lead above the superconducting temperature

Methode nouvelle pour etudier les interactions des dislocations avec les electrons et les phonons dans les metaux a l'etat normal. Dans le cas de Pb le processus d'entrainement des electrons est affecte par un champ magnetique au-dessous de 15 K, ceci est en accord avec le fait que les dislocations sont sous amorties au-dessous de cette temperature
Altered sensitivity of protein synthesis to paromomycin in extracts from aging human diploid fibroblasts

Abstract Age-related differences in the effects of paromomycin (Pm) on protein synthesis have been investigated in translation reactions eith extracts derived from young and old human diploid fibroblasts. Translation products from reactions directed by endogenous or exogenous mRNA were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography. The exogenous mRNA lacked codond for cysteine and therefore cysteine incorporation into translation products represented translational error. This laboratory has previously used this assay to show that the basal translational error level in the absence of Pm increases in extracts from old fibroblasts. In this report, Pm stimulated the misincorporation of cysteine by 6–7 fold over cysteine misincorporation levels in the absence of Pm. This degree of Pm stimulation was similar in extracts from young and old fibroblasts. However, other results showed quantitative differences in the responses to Pm between young and old cell extracts. Old cell extracts were less sensitive to the stimulation of the rate of protein synthesis, and more sensitive to the inhibition of protein synthesis, by Pm. It is proposed that aging human diploid fibroblasts contain altered ribosomes which react differently with Pm.
Influence of testing environment on the room temperature ductility of FeAl alloys

The effects of testing atmospheres (air, O2, N2, and vacuum) on the room-temperature ductility of Fe-40Al, Fe-40Al-0.5B, and Fe-50Al alloys were investigated. The results confirmed the decrease in room-temperature ductility of Fe-rich FeAl alloys by the interaction of the aluminide with water vapor, reported previously by Liu et al. (1989). The highest ductilities were measured in the atmosphere with the lowest moisture levels, i.e., in vacuum. It was found that significant ductility is still restricted to Fe-rich alloys (Fe-40Al), as the Fe-50Al alloy remained brittle under all testing conditions. It was also found that slow cooling after annealing was beneficial, and the effect was additive to the environmental effect. The highest ductility measurements in this study were 9 percent elongation in furnace-cooled Fe-40Al and in Fe-40Al-0.5B, when tested in vacuum.