cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Architectural considerations within the GEOSS framework

The global Earth observation system of systems (GEOSS) is envisioned as an interoperable confederation of existing and future Earth observations systems that span the both the information collection and information exploitation value chains. The implementation of this approach requires information synthesis across disciplines, domains, and geopolitical boundaries. The benefit of GEOSS is derived from two primary sources. First, GEOSS provides the ability to leverage Earth observations in order to make better, more informed decisions on key societal issues. Second, GEOSS incubates a value added sector that responds to emerging and to-be-developed market opportunities. The challenge, as we strive to entrain legacy assets, is to enable these benefits and not negatively impact existing operational strategies and approaches. In addition, the development approach needs to be mindful of the need for capacity building within developing countries. We explore these issues, identify three key technological enablers, and identify specific implications for information system providers that desire to participate in the GEOSS endeavor.
Attack Traceback and Attribution

Traceback and attribution are performed during or after cyber violations and attacks to identify where an attack originated; how it propagated; and what computer(s) and person(s) were responsible. The goal of traceback capabilities is to determine the path from a victimized network or system through any intermediate systems and communication pathways, back to the point of attack origination. In some cases, the computers launching an attack may themselves be compromised hosts being controlled remotely from a system one or more levels further removed from the system under attack. Attribution is the process of determining the identity of the source of a cyber attack. Types of attribution can include both digital identity (computer, user account, Internet Protocol (IP) address, or enabling software) and physical identity (the actual person using the computer from which an attack originated). Keywords: cyber crime; attack traceback; cyber forensics; stepping stone
Cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) in the treatment of patients with advanced head and neck cancer

Twenty-seven patients with measurable or evaluable, regionally advanced or metastatic head and neck cancer were given a combination of cyclophosphamide (C), Adriamycin (A), and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (P). Most patients had received extensive prior surgery and/or radiation therapy. Among 25 evaluable patients, the overall response rate was 64% (16/25) with 3/25 complete responders and 13/25 partial responders. The median survival for the entire group of 25 patients and the median response duration for the subset of 16 patients experiencing tumor regression were 8.1 and 7.0 months, respectively. Responders lived significantly longer than nonresponders (11 months vs. six months, P less than 0.01). According to covariate analysis, the difference seems to reflect the influence of response to treatment and not other confounding variables. Almost all patients experienced anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and a pervasive feeling of ill-health. In fact, six patients declined further treatment and five of these had objective tumor regressions. Recurrent disease was detected three months following discontinuation of chemotherapy in four of these five patients and seven months later in the fifth. Myelosuppression was clinically acceptable and there was in this dosage and schedule no evidence of hepatic or renal impairment. Although the CAP regimen has substantial antitumor activity, the program is clinically rigorous and should remain an investigational treatment modality at the present time.
Acute toxicity of cyanogen chloride to Daphnia magna.

The destruction of cyanide in waste waters by chlorination has been shown to result in the formation of the extremely toxic compound, cyanogen chloride. Industrial cyanide-containing waste waters may be treated by a batch chlorination process under highly alkaline conditions prior to being discharged into a receiving water systems. Alternatively, if the concentration of cyanide is relatively low, and such waste waters may be diverted to municipal waste treatment facilities where they may be subjected to a process of chlorination which may not be sufficient for the complete oxidative destruction of the available cyanide. Although a large body of literature exists concerning the toxicity of HCN and metallic cyanide compounds to aquatic organisms, there is a comparative scarcity of information concerning cyanogen chloride toxicity. This study was designed to determine the acute toxicity of CNCl to Daphnia magna neonates under static bioassay conditions.
The systematics of Rigidella (Iridaceae)

Rigidella and the four species contained therein are defined primarily on characters related to, and a direct consequence of, adaptation to hummingbird pollination. The genus is probably derived from either the “multiflora” complex inTigridia subgenusHydrotaenia or is an evolutionary line parallel toTigridia. Illustrations, distribution maps, and a key to the species are included. The rediscovery ofRigidella flammea Lindl. is reported, and a new species,R. inusitata, is described.
Multi-dimensional signal search with applications in remote medical monitoring

Although most of the medical and healthcare monitoring systems generate multi-dimensional time series (via multiple sensors), most of the work by research community has been focused on defining distance metrics and matching algorithms to improve accuracy and optimize performance of search in single dimensional time series. In this work we motivate the need for multidimensional time series matching and propose a scalable technique that has high accuracy in presence of noise, uncertainty, and lack of synchronization between dimensions. We focus on two medical monitoring devices and their applications to showcase the advantages, performance, and accuracy of our multi-dimensional time series search technique. We demonstrate effectiveness of our signal search technique by using precision and recall metrics.
Irradiation-induced selective precipitation in Cu-Nb-W alloys: An approach towards coarsening resistance

Abstract A novel approach towards coarsening resistance in the precipitate-strengthened Cu-based alloys is proposed, taking advantage of selective precipitation during low-temperature ion irradiation. In the case of Cu–Nb–W, W precipitates during room temperature irradiation, forming highly ramified clusters. During subsequent thermal annealing of alloys with composition close to Cu90Nb9W1, the more mobile Nb atoms precipitate out on the W clusters, creating a core–shell structure and adopting the Bain orientation relationship within the Cu matrix. This structure is extremely resistant to coarsening. Annealing at 650 °C for 1 h results in a precipitates size
Bootstrap confidence intervals for reservoir model selection techniques

Stochastic spatial simulation allows generation of multiple realizations of spatial variables. Due to the computational time required for evaluating the transfer function, uncertainty quantification of these multiple realizations often requires a selection of a small subset of realization. However, by selecting only a few realizations, one may risk biasing the P10, P50, and P90 estimates as compared to the original multiple realizations. The objective of this study is to develop a methodology to quantify confidence intervals for the estimated P10, P50, and P90 quantiles when only a few models are retained for response evaluation. We use the parametric bootstrap technique, which evaluates the variability of the statistics obtained from uncertainty quantification and constructs confidence intervals. Using this technique, we compare the confidence intervals when using two selection methods: the traditional ranking technique and the distance-based kernel clustering technique (DKM). The DKM has been recently developed and has been shown to be effective in quantifying uncertainty. The methodology is demonstrated using two examples. The first example is a synthetic example, which uses bi-normal variables and serves to demonstrate the technique. The second example is from an oil field in West Africa where the uncertain variable is the cumulative oil production coming from 20 wells. The results show that, for the same number of transfer function evaluations, the DKM method has equal or smaller error and confidence interval compared to ranking.
An analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence algorithms for the moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS)

Abstract Next-generation ocean color sensors will include channels to measure passive chlorophyll fluorescence as well as traditional channels that use radiance ratios to estimate chlorophyll concentration. Because the chlorophyll fluorescence signal is small, these sensors have significantly higher signal to noise ratios in the channels used to measure fluorescence. Small changes in sensor performance, atmospheric transmissivity, and fluorescence efficiency could potentially result in significant changes in the performance of the fluorescence algorithms. We perform a sensitivity analysis on the present MODIS algorithms and derive the minimum chlorophyll concentrations that can be observed for various combinations of sensor performance, atmospheric conditions, and phytoplankton physiology. We show that the present sensor specifications will allow us to observe fluorescence at chlorophyll concentrations as low as 0.5 mg/m3 at the full resolution of the sensor (nominally 1 km2 at nadir) under optimum viewing conditions. Although band position changes over a ±4 nm range affect the absolute reading of individual bands by less than 2%, the impact on the total performance of the fluorescence algorithm can be greater than 70%.
A simple, reproducible technique for establishing leptomeningeal tumors in nude rats

The incidence of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is on the rise and current treatment modalities have limited efficacy. The development of new treatment strategies has been hampered by the lack of an appropriate animal model that accurately parallels the clinical condition. We have developed a new surgical technique for the establishment of leptomeningeal tumors in rats. Our technique is simple, reproducible and associated with low morbidity and mortality. Tumor implantation resulted in a defined neurological endpoint and a reproducible time course of disease progression using both human medulloblastoma and breast carcinoma cell lines. This animal model provides an appropriate system for testing conventional and new biologic therapies in both early and late stages of leptomeningeal disease.
Changes in protein and mRNA populations during the senescence of carnation petals

Developmental changes in polypeptide and mRNA popultions in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. White Sim) petals were investigated during the senescence of harvested flowers. Total proteins were extracted from flower petals at various stages of senescence and subjected to separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Analysis of the Coomassie blue stained gels revealed polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 76, 62, 35.5 and 24 kDa which increased, while those with molecular weights of 70.5, 67.5, 46.5 and 31 kDa decreased during petal senescence. Changes in mRNA populations were investigated by translating poly (A)+RNA, isolated from carnation petals, in vitro using the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. Polypeptides synthesized in vitro were separated by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and visualized by fluorography. Three classes of mRNA's were associated with the senescence of carnation petals. The majority of the mRNA's were constitutive at all stages of senescence. Another class of mRNA's increased with the climacteric rise in ethylene production, which accompanied the onset of senescence. Their translation products were 81, 58, 42, 38 and 35 kDa. In addition, several mRNA's appeared to decrease in abundance during the course of petal senescence. These results indicate that senescence of carnation flower petals is associated with changes in gene expression.
cAMP Activation of CAAT Enhancer-binding Protein-β Gene Expression and Promoter I of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase

The acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene contains two distinct promoters, denoted PI and PII. PI is responsible for the generation of class I ACC mRNAs which are induced in a tissue-specific manner under lipogenic conditions. PII generates class II ACC mRNAs which are expressed constitutively. During 30A5 preadipocyte differentiation, both promoters are activated; the preadipocytes must be pretreated with cAMP for this activation to occur. In this report, we present evidence that CAAT enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β) is induced and involved in the PI activation by cAMP. Expression of the reporter gene under the control of the PI promoter is activated within 3 h after treatment of 30A5 cells with a cyclic AMP analogue, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, in association with the accumulation of C/EBP-β mRNA and protein. These accumulations were inhibited in the presence of H8, a protein kinase inhibitor; H8 also inhibited activation of PI by cAMP. However, the induction of reporter gene expression and the increase of C/EBP-β mRNA by cAMP were not affected by treatment with tumor necrosis factor α, which completely inhibited the accumulation of C/EBP-α mRNA. Overexpression of C/EBP-β by transfection with the C/EBP-β gene led to increased binding of C/EBP-β to DNA and partial PI activation. cAMP did not affect the amount of C/EBP-β binding to the DNA but did promote phosphorylation of C/EBP-β and PI activation. As in the case of C/EBP-α, C/EBP-β bound to the CCAAT box of the PI promoter. These results indicate that cAMP not only induces, but also activates, bound C/EBP-β through phosphorylation for PI activation. Our studies also indicate that cAMP induces C/EBP-α. C/EBP-β induction, however, precedes that of C/EBP-α.
Pareto-superior trade policy

Current literature shows the welfare superiority of ad valorem over specific tariffs or domestic governments facing foreign monopolists. This note establishes the stronger result that, for any given specific tariff imposed on a foreign monopoly, there exists an ad valorem tariff that Pareto dominates it - that produces larger profit for the foreign firm as well as larger tariff revenue and consumer surplus for the domestic economy. This Pareto ranking can be extended to the case of foreign Cournot oligopoly under certain market conditions.
The role of advanced practice providers in pediatric otolaryngology academic practices

Abstract Objective The goal of this study was to examine the roles of Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in pediatric academic otolaryngology programs to provide a better understanding of their scope of practice, levels of autonomy, clinical duties, teaching opportunities and research participation. Design An anonymous web-based electronic survey tool was sent to all pediatric otolaryngology fellowship program directors in the United States. Results Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are utilized in approximately 3 out of every 4 pediatric otolaryngology practices. The top three job activities of both the PA and NP were: (1) seeing patients independently, (2) working alongside doctors in clinic, and (3) answering phone lines/parental calls. A higher percentage of PAs (83%), worked alongside doctors in clinic, as compared to NPs, where only 55% work alongside MDs. Over half of PAs round with the in-patient team and see consults as compared to just over one third of NPs who participate in such activities. Twenty-five percent of practices reported that PAs cover call and assist in the OR. Most PAs/NPs saw between 11 and 15 patients per clinic which provides a clear productivity advantage when looking to screen patients, provide medical care, generate surgical cases, and maximize billings. Conclusion NPs and PAs have complimentary skill sets ideal for the pediatric otolaryngology workplace, although job activities and “best fit” are hospital and practice dependent. Our study suggests that the use of PAs and NPs will continue to grow to meet increased demand for services in the field of pediatric otolaryngology. Employing advanced practice providers enables academic centers to improve access, provide additional financial remuneration, reduce wait times for new patients, and allow attending physicians to meet increased practice demands.
Ruthenium catalyzed reconstitutive condensation. Application to functionalized steroid side chains.

Abstract bis(Triphenylphosphine)cyclopentadienylruthenium chloride catalyses the addition of steroidal acetylenes with allyl alcohols to introduce functionalized side chains illustrated by the construction of the side chain of ganoderic acid, a novel angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.
Sustained Levels of FGF2 Maintain Undifferentiated Stem Cell Cultures with Biweekly Feeding

An essential aspect of stem cell culture is the successful maintenance of the undifferentiated state. Many types of stem cells are FGF2 dependent, and pluripotent stem cells are maintained by replacing FGF2-containing media daily, while tissue-specific stem cells are typically fed every 3rd day. Frequent feeding, however, results in significant variation in growth factor levels due to FGF2 instability, which limits effective maintenance due to spontaneous differentiation. We report that stabilization of FGF2 levels using controlled release PLGA microspheres improves expression of stem cell markers, increases stem cell numbers and decreases spontaneous differentiation. The controlled release FGF2 additive reduces the frequency of media changes needed to maintain stem cell cultures, so that human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells can be maintained successfully with biweekly feedings.
Neural efficiency analyzer scores of reading disabled, normally reading and academically superior children.

Usefulness, under field-testing conditions, of one version of a Neural Efficiency Analyzer for discriminating among children of various levels of academic performance was investigated. The equipment was said to measure efficiency of information processing as reflected in time between alternate EEG falling zero-crossing points. Special emphasis was placed on the difference score, a measure of right-left hemisphere “efficiency” differences. Contrary to earlier reports, no significant differences were found between such scores of groups of reading disabled, normally reading, and academically superior children. Possible reasons for the negative findings are explored.
A note on invariant imbedding and generalized semigroups

Abstract : The use of fixed-point techniques is extended to the solution of certain partial differential equations. These equations have application to problems of neutron transport. (Author)
Assessing the Risk of Re-Offending for Juvenile Offenders Using the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory

Abstract The purpose of the Youth Level of Service Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) is to assess, classify, and assist agencies with developing treatment and service plans according to the offender's criminogenic risk factors. Given the limited research in the predictive validity for this instrument, the current study attempts to examine this issue on a sample of 4,482 juveniles from Ohio who were given sentences in the community or to juvenile institutions. Results demonstrated the validity of the YLS/CMI in predicting recidivism for both settings.
On the integration of data and mathematical modeling languages

This paper examines ways in which the addition of data modeling features can enhance the capabilities of mathematical modeling languages. It demonstrates how such integration is achieved as an application of the embedded languages technique proposed by Bhargava and Kimbrough [4]. Decision-making, and decision support systems, require the representation and manipulation of both data and mathematical models. Several data modeling languages as well as several mathematical modeling languages exist, but they have different sets of these capabilities. We motivate with a detailed example the need for the integration of these capabilities. We describe the benefits that might result, and claim that this could lead to a significant improvement in the functionality of model management systems. Then we present our approach for the integration of these languages, and specify how the claimed benefits can be realized.
A review of selected non-destructive methods for residual stress measurement

Abstract The roll of residual stresses in the failure of metallic components has long been recognized. However, the most commonly employed methods for its measurement are destructive or at least partially so. This has led to an active interest in non-destructive methods for residual stress measurement. This review describes the essence of the principles of a semi-destructive (hole drilling) and three non-destructive (X-ray diffraction, ultrasonic velocity, and Barkhausen noise analysis) residual stress measurement methods. The review also describes selected applications of these four methods to residual stress and related property measurements, as well as discussing their limitations and some sources of measurement errors. Conclusions as to the general applicability of the methods to practical residual stress measurements are drawn and a prognosis for the future development of each is offered.
Cell-body lesions of the posterodorsal preoptic nucleus or posterodorsal medial amygdala, but not the parvicellular subparafascicular thalamus, disrupt mating in male gerbils.

Abstract In gerbils, the posterodorsal preoptic nucleus (PdPN) and the lateral part of the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MeApd) express Fos with ejaculation. In contrast, the medial/central part of the MeApd expresses Fos when a sexually experienced male reenters the environment associated with mating. The parvicellular part of the subparafascicular thalamic nucleus (SPFp) of gerbils expresses Fos under both conditions. To study the role of the PdPN and MeApd in male sex behavior, male gerbils were tested for mating before and after these areas were bilaterally lesioned by infusions of N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA). Controls received the vehicle or inactive isomer, NMLA. Lesions in either area reduced mounting, but MeApd lesions, which were more complete than PdPN lesions, also delayed ejaculation when males intromitted. To determine if the MeApd and PdPN affect mating via a common pathway, they were bilaterally disconnected by lesioning them unilaterally, contralateral to each other. Other groups received ipsilateral lesions, NMLA, or bilateral lesions of the PdPN or MeApd. In addition, the SPFp was studied using bilateral lesions. MeApd and PdPN lesions again decreased mounting, and this time both lesions, which were quite complete, delayed ejaculation when males intromitted. Contralateral lesions that bilaterally disconnected these cell groups from each other mimicked both effects. Thus, the MeApd and PdPN affect mounting and ejaculation, at least in part, via their connections with each other. In contrast, SPFp lesions did not affect mating. Thus, SPFp cells activated at ejaculation may react to ejaculation rather than trigger it, possibly initiating preparations for paternity.
Fabrication of Highly Ordered Arrays of TiO2 Nanotubes on Ti Wires

Highly Ordered arrays of TiO2 nanotubes on Ti wire were prepared by anodic oxidation with ethylene glycol solution of NH4F electrolyte. The phase compositions of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis using Cu-Kα radiation. The microstructure was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results show that at the anode condition of 95V, 50°C, and then themal treatment at 550°C, the highly ordered anatase TiO2 nanotubes arrays arranged on the surface of Ti wire. The length of the nanotube achieved was about 31μm, the internal diameter and outer diameter of the nanotube was 127nm and 170nm, respectively.
The spatial demands of graphs.

This study is about the spatial demands made by graphs and about the ability of young children to cope with these demands. We wanted to answer two questions: (1) whether children can coordinate spatial information from two axes, and (2) whether the fact that they have to extrapolate non-perpendicular lines in graphs causes them particular difficulty. Sixteen six- and 16 nine-year-olds were asked to extrapolate imaginary lines in a graph-like task in order to find the position on one axis of a graph corresponding to a given position on the other axis. In addition to these axis-to-axis extrapolations, they were given separate line-to-axis and axis-to-line problems requiring the extrapolation of only one line. The older children made significantly smaller errors than the younger ones, but on the whole both age groups made accurate extrapolations in all three types of problem. Most importantly the errors in the axis-to-axis condition were not significantly different from the mean summed errors in the other two conditions (line-to-axis and axis-to-line). This shows that children do not experience difficulty with the axis-to-axis condition over and above the difficulty of extrapolating two single lines. We found no evidence that the non-perpendicularity of the lines which the children had to extrapolate caused them any particular difficulty. We concluded that young children have a more adequate understanding of rectangular coordinate systems than has been evident from their performance in other tasks and that young children can in principle cope with the spatial demands made by graphs surprisingly well.
Constructing sensor barriers with minimum cost in wireless sensor networks

One major application category for wireless sensor networks is to detect intruders entering protected areas. Early research has studied the barrier coverage problem for intruder detection. However, an open problem is to build sensor barriers with minimum cost in wireless sensor networks. This is a critical problem (called minimum-cost barrier coverage), and its solution can be widely used in sensor barrier applications, such as border security and intruder detection. In this paper, we present a complete solution to the minimum-cost barrier coverage problem. The cost here can be any performance measurement and normally is defined as the resource consumed or occupied by the sensor barriers. Our algorithm, called the PUSH-PULL-IMPROVE algorithm, is the first one that provides a distributed solution to the minimum-cost barrier coverage problem in asynchronous wireless sensor networks. It can be used for protected areas of any size and shape with homogeneous or heterogeneous networks. In our algorithm, each node does not necessarily know its exact location and only needs to communicate with its neighbors. For a deployment of n sensors and a cost measurement with maximum value C"m"a"x, our algorithm has O(n^2log(nC"m"a"x)) message complexity and O(n^2log(nC"m"a"x)) time complexity to find K barriers. Simulation results verify the performance of the algorithm. We observe that the actual number of messages sent in the simulations is much less than n^2.
Shock wave lithotripsy: advances in technology and technique

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is the only noninvasive method for stone removal. Once considered as a primary option for the treatment of virtually all stones, SWL is now recognized to have important limitations that restrict its use. In particular, the effectiveness of SWL is severely limited by stone burden, and treatment with shock waves carries the risk of acute injury with the potential for long-term adverse effects. Research aiming to characterize the renal response to shock waves and to determine the mechanisms of shock wave action in stone breakage and renal injury has begun to suggest new treatment strategies to improve success rates and safety. Urologists can achieve better outcomes by treating at slower shock wave rate using a step-wise protocol. The aim is to achieve stone comminution using as few shock waves and at as low a power level as possible. Important challenges remain, including the need to improve acoustic coupling, enhance stone targeting, better determine when stone breakage is complete, and minimize the occurrence of residual stone fragments. New technologies have begun to address many of these issues, and hold considerable promise for the future.
Sustainable low temperature desalination: A case for renewable energy

In this paper, different configurations for running a low temperature desalination process at a production capacity of 100 liters/day are presented. Renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal energy sources are evaluated as renewable, reliable, and suitable energy sources for driving the low temperature desalination process round the clock. A case study is presented to evaluate the feasibility of sustainable recovery of potable water from the effluent streams of wastewater treatment plant. Results obtained from theoretical and experimental studies demonstrate that the low temperature desalination unit has the potential for large scale applications using renewable energy sources to produce freshwater in a sustainable manner. The following renewable energy/waste heat recovery configurations may produce around 100 liters/day of desalinated water: (1) solar collector area of 18 m2 with a thermal energy storage (TES) volume of 3 m3; (2) photovoltaic thermal collector area of 30 m2 to provide 14–18 k...
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome is the most common inherited connective tissue disorder, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 live births. The cardinal features of Marfan syndrome are the abnormalities of the skeleton (tall stature, arachnodactyly, and joint hyperelasticity), eye (lens subluxation), and aorta (root aneurysm with proclivity toward rupture and dissection). Aortic catastrophe accounts for most of the premature mortality among Marfan patients, a risk that climbs steeply during adolescence and results in death of half of Marfan patients by the age of 40 years. Most of the improvement in life expectancy that has been achieved in Marfan syndrome is attributable to early recognition of aortic root aneurysms and prophylactic replacement with composite grafts (mechanical valve prostheses within Dacron conduits) before rupture or dissection occurs. Despite the excellent early and late results with composite grafts, there has been growing interest in operative procedures that replace the sinuses but preserve the aortic valve leaflets, to avoid anticoagulation and minimize the risk of prosthesis-related endocarditis. These procedures are still in evolution and late resuts are not yet known, but as with mitral repair in the setting of myxomatous disease, valve-sparing procedures in Marfan syndrome have weathered a storm of initial criticism and skepticism and are steadily gaining acceptance.
On the “recovery” of masked targets

Robinson (1966) has claimed that a target which has been masked can be recovered by presentation of a second mask. Presumably, the second mask masks the first, an effect which disinhibits perception of the target. Two experiments were carried out to examine this phenomenon. Experiment 1 repeated Robinson’s initial (1966) experiment, but failed to show a “recovery” effect. Experiment 2 showed that “recovery” is related to (1) brightness reversals which occur in the periphery but not in central vision, and (2) criteria which relate to the appearance of the stimuli and influence report of these reversals.
Rotavirus vaccines: Current status and future considerations

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea among children <5 years worldwide. Currently licensed rotavirus vaccines have been efficacious and effective, with many countries reporting substantial declines in diarrheal and rotavirus-specific morbidity and mortality. However, the full public health impact of these vaccines has not been realized. Most countries, including those with the highest disease burden, have not yet introduced rotavirus vaccines into their national immunization programs. Research activities that may help inform vaccine introduction decisions include (1) establishing effectiveness, impact, and safety for rotavirus vaccines in low-income settings; (2) identifying potential strategies to improve performance of oral rotavirus vaccines in developing countries, such as zinc supplementation; and (3) pursuing alternate approaches to oral vaccines, such as parenteral immunization. Policy- and program-level barriers, such as financial implications of new vaccine introductions, should be addressed to ensure that countries are able to make informed decisions regarding rotavirus vaccine introduction.
Is There a Relationship Between a Geocentric Mind-Set and Multinational Strategy?

This paper operationalizes and tests relationships between a geocentric managerial mind-set, geographic scope and the structural and strategic characteristics of firms and industries. Relationships are tested using data from a survey of senior corporate international HRM managers of large, U.S.-based, manufacturing multinationals. An index of a geocentric mind-set is found to correlate with geographic scope and various aspects of IHRM policy and practice; however, no relationship is found with measures of multinational strategy or organizational structure. The paper concludes with a speculative hypothesis: development of a geocentric mind-set may relate to the information or knowledge intensity of the firm rather than its position on the strategic continuum.
A context-sensitive crossover operator for clustering applications

In this paper we propose a new context-sensitive crossover operator for genetic search based clustering applications. The proposed crossover operator compares relevant sub-regions in partitions represented by the two parents selected for mating, passing on to the child only high fitness sub-regions in the partition space. The use of the restricted growth function as the representation for the genotype makes it easier to do a meaningful cluster-wise comparison between two partitions. Clusters are compared using a statistical basis for spatial randomness on the assumption that natural groupings in data are compact and isolated and therefore spatially random within themselves. The proposed crossover operator has good exploitation properties and is heavily biased against an exploratory genetic search because it identifies and necessarily passes good schemas to the child. Preliminary results on two datasets of varying complexity tend to prove this point — when the proposed crossover operator is used with high probability, the search quickly homogenizes and moves as a whole towards high fitness regions of the partition space. We have also presented results of simulations where we have explicitly attempted to balance the exploitation and the exploration aspects of the search by using the crossover operator sparingly during the initial generations, thereby preserving diversity and letting the search branch off towards multiple local optima in the partition space.
Glass transition in a marginal glass-forming alloy studied by dynamic mechanical analysis

For marginal amorphous-forming alloys, the glass transition is difficult to detect using conventional differential scanning calorimetry. Since the mechanical response is more sensitive than the thermal signal when the amorphous solid transforms to the supercooled liquid, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) can be used to detect the glass transition temperature in marginal amorphous-forming alloys. In the present study, DMA was successfully used to measure the glass transition in Al90Tb10 metallic glass. A glass transition temperature of 443 K was estimated from the crossover region of the storage modulus, where the crossover region corresponds to the transition from an amorphous solid to a supercooled liquid. The activation energies of 63 and 221 kJ/mol for the low temperature relaxation and viscous flow were calculated using the time-temperature superposition principle.
Metaphor as Emotive Change: A Triangulated Approach to Thought, Language, and Emotion Relatable to Aristotelian Sensate Perception

From Aristotelian logic and sensate perception to Lakoffian rational and experiential meaning-making, I merge theories: Metaphor is emotive change, a use of language that expresses emotion and evokes emotion, which can inform behavior and persuade. The power of metaphor is in the physiological relationship between reason and emotion in the brain, supported by recent research from Alice Flaherty, neurologist and writer. Metaphors are sensory experiences, images brought-before-the-eye, which effect persuasion as rhetorical tools in argument. I argue that emotion-language-thought is in dialectical relationship, expressed by metaphor.
Relationship of hydrogen bioavailability to chromate reduction in aquifer sediments.

Biological Cr(VI) reduction was studied in anaerobic sediments from an aquifer in Norman, Okla. Microcosms containing sediment and mineral medium were amended with various electron donors to determine those most important for biological Cr(VI) reduction. Cr(VI) (about 340 μM) was reduced with endogenous substrates (no donor), or acetate was added. The addition of formate, hydrogen, and glucose stimulated Cr(VI) reduction compared with reduction in unamended controls. From these sediments, an anaerobic Cr(VI)-utilizing enrichment was obtained that was dependent upon hydrogen for both growth and Cr(VI) reduction. No methane was produced by the enrichment, which reduced about 750 μM Cr(VI) in less than six days. The dissolved hydrogen concentration was used as an indicator of the terminal electron accepting process occurring in the sediments. Microcosms with sediments, groundwater, and chromate metabolized hydrogen to a concentration below the detection limits of the mercury vapor gas chromatograph. In microcosms without chromate, the hydrogen concentration was about 8 nM, a concentration comparable to that under methanogenic conditions. When these microcosms were amended with 500 μM Cr(VI), the dissolved hydrogen concentration quickly fell below the detection limits. These results showed that the hydrogen concentration under chromate-reducing conditions became very low, as low as that reported under nitrate- and manganese-reducing conditions, a result consistent with the free energy changes for these reactions. The utilization of formate, lactate, hydrogen, and glucose as electron donors for Cr(VI) reduction indicates that increasing the availability of hydrogen results in a greater capacity for Cr(VI) reduction. This conclusion is supported by the existence of an enrichment dependent upon hydrogen for growth and Cr(VI) reduction.
Multiphase Sequestration Geochemistry: Model for Mineral Carbonation

Carbonation of formation minerals converts low viscosity supercritical CO2 injected into deep saline reservoirs for geologic sequestration into an immobile form. Until recently the scientific focus of mineralization reactions with reservoir rocks has been those that follow an aqueous-mediated dissolution/precipitation mechanism, driven by the sharp reduction in pH that occurs with CO2 partitioning into the aqueous phase. For sedimentary basin formations the kinetics of aqueous-mediated dissolution/precipitation reactions are sufficiently slow to make the role of mineralization trapping insignificant over a century period. For basaltic saline formations aqueous-phase mineralization progresses at a substantially higher rate, making the role of mineralization trapping significant, if not dominant, over a century period. The overlooked mineralization reactions for both sedimentary and basaltic saline formations, however, are those that occur in liquid or supercritical CO2 phase; where, dissolved water appears to play a catalyst role in the formation of carbonate minerals. A model is proposed in this paper that describes mineral carbonation over sequestration reservoir conditions ranging from dissolved CO2 in aqueous brine to dissolved water in supercritical CO2. The model theory is based on a review of recent experiments directed at understanding the role of water in mineral carbonation reactions of interest in geologic sequestration systems occurring under low water contents.
Prediction of Blow-Offs of Bluff Body Stabilized Flames Utilizing Close-Coupled Injection of Liquid Fuels

This paper describes the development of an empirical approach that attempts to predict blow-out of bluff body stabilized flames using global flow parameters in systems where liquid fuel injectors are located a short distance upstream of the wake. This approach was created on the hypothesis that flame stability in such a combustion system (referred to as a close-coupled injection) is determined by the strength of the heat source developed in the bluff body recirculation zone and by the availability of sufficient contact time with fresh mixture for its ignition, similar in nature to premixed combustion systems. Based on this concept, global equivalence ratio on the classical DeZubay stability map was replaced by local equivalence ratio in the recirculation zone of the bluff body. This local equivalence ratio was determined experimentally using a chemiluminescence measurement system. Tests were conducted using a single bluff body with a close-coupled injection system in a 76 × 152 mm (3 × 6 in.) combustion tunnel. A wide range of fuel–air ratios and velocities were achieved by variation of the global equivalence ratio, incoming flow velocity, and injector size. The obtained experimental dataset was used to develop a transfer function that allowed calculation of the local equivalence ratio in the recirculation zone based on the global flow parameters. Equivalence ratio in the recirculation zone was found to be exponentially dependent upon the square root of the fuel to air momentum flux ratio such that increasing the momentum flux ratio led to a reduction in the recirculation zone equivalence ratio. Additional adjustment of this general trend by the diameter of injector and air flow velocity was necessary to improve the quality of the prediction. The developed approach demonstrated a good prediction of the globally rich blow-out of the flame. In fact, the recirculation zone lean blow-out limit (corresponding with globally rich blow-out) predicted for close coupled injection using the developed transfer function closely coincided with the lean blow-out line of the classical DeZubay envelope and with results obtained with premixed injection using the same bluff body. On the contrary, globally lean (locally rich) blow-out was predicted ∼20% below the DeZubay rich blow-out line, possibly because of the limited range of the fuel flow rates on the experimental rig used.
The inf-sup test

We briefly review the inf-sup condition for the finite element solution of problems in incompressible elasticity, and then propose a numerical test on whether the inf-sup condition is passed. The evaluation of elements with this test is simple, and various results are presented. This inf-sup test will prove useful for many discretizations of constrained variational problems.
A deuteron tensor polarimeter using the 3He(d,p)4He reaction

Abstract A polarimeter for measuring the moments t20, Re (t21), and Re (t22) of a tensor polarized deuteron beam is described. This polarimeter makes use of the 3He(d,p)4He reaction near the 3 2 + resonance at Ed = 430 keV. It has been used in polarized-beam experiments for incident deuteron energies up to 13 MeV.
Infrared Observations from the New Solar Telescope at Big Bear

The 1.6 m clear aperture solar telescope in Big Bear is operational and with its adaptive optics (AO) system it provides diffraction limited solar imaging and polarimetry in the near-infrared (NIR). While the AO system is being upgraded to provide diffraction limited imaging at bluer wavelengths, the instrumentation and observations are concentrated in the NIR. The New Solar Telescope (NST) operates in campaigns, making it the ideal ground-based telescope to provide complementary/supplementary data to SDO and Hinode. The NST makes photometric observations in Hα (656.3 nm) and TiO (705.6 nm) among other lines. As well, the NST collects vector magnetograms in the 1565 nm lines and is beginning such observations in 1083.0 nm. Here we discuss the relevant NST instruments, including AO, and present some results that are germane to NASA solar missions.
Use of Avian Cytokines in Mammalian Embryonic Stem Cell Culture

Abstract Mouse blastocyst-derived embryonic stem (ES) cells are multipotent cells that can be used in vitro as models of differentiation and in vivo can contribute to all embryonic tissues including the germ line. The culture of ES cells requires a source of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), often provided by culture with a mouse fibroblast (STO) feeder layer, buffalo rat liver cell-conditioned media (BRL-CM), or the addition of recombinant LIF. To date, all of the ES cell culture systems use mammalian sources of LIF. We found that mouse ES cells can be maintained for over 10 passages in an undifferentiated state with media conditioned by a chicken liver cell line (LMH-CM) or on a feeder layer made with primary chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEF). These ES cells can undergo both spontaneous and induced differentiation, which is associated with the disappearance or reduction of the expression of alkaline phosphatase and SSEA-1, similar to that observed for ES cells cultured with BRL-CM or STO feeder layers. The ES cells cultured in LMH-CM did not express cytokeratin Endo-A antigen recognized by TROMA-1, but their differentiated progeny did express this antigen. In contrast to LMH-CM, Endo-A was expressed in ES cells cultured on CEF feeder layers and in differentiated progeny. These results indicate that avian cells can produce a LIF-like cytokine that is active in inhibiting the differentiation of mouse ES cells. This could provide a biological end point for the isolation and characterization of avian LIF.
Concomitant neutrophil JAK2V617F mutation screening and PRV‐1 expression analysis in myeloproliferative disorders and secondary polycythaemia

Polycythaemia vera (PV) is closely associated with both an acquired activating mutation of the JAK2 tyrosine kinase (JAK2(V617F)) in granulocyte-derived DNA and increased granulocyte polycythaemia rubra vera-1 (PRV-1) expression. In order to explore the correlation between these two biological markers and compare their diagnostic utility, mutation analysis for JAK2(V617F) and quantitative measurement of granulocyte PRV-1 expression were performed on the same study sample from 100 participants: 38 with PV, 22 with essential thrombocythaemia (ET), 10 with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM), 19 with secondary polycythaemia (SP) and 11 healthy volunteers. The respective overall (homozygous) JAK2(V617F) mutational frequencies were 95% (26%), 55% (0%), 30% (0%), 0% and 0%. The corresponding figures for increased PRV-1 expression were 89%, 18%, 20%, 21% and 9%. In patients with either ET or AMM, the likelihood of detecting JAK2(V617F) was significantly higher in the presence of an increased PRV-1 expression (83% vs. 38%; P = 0.05). Similarly, in patients with PV, homozygous as compared with heterozygous JAK2(V617F) correlated with higher levels of PRV-1 expression (P = 0.11). The present study suggests an allele dose-dependent effect of JAK2(V617F) on granulocyte PRV-1 expression. However, compared with the PRV-1 assay, mutation screening for JAK2(V617F) displayed greater accuracy in distinguishing PV from SP.