cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relapse Free Survival of Elderly AML Patients Is Comparable to That of Younger Adults When Treated with a Modified Dose Intensive Cytarabine Regimen.

Introduction and Methods: Despite the development of new targeted therapies for treating AML, cytarabine (Ara-C) remains the most reliably effective agent, particularly when given in high dosage (HIDAC). The outcome of AML therapy in pts > 60 years of age remains dismal with slightly more than half of pts achieving remission, and < 15% becoming long term survivors. Elderly pts do not tolerate typical HIDAC regimens because of cerebellar and other toxicities, so we have employed a modified HIDAC regimen: Ara-C 2 gm/m2/day over 4 hours once daily on days 1–6, combined with daunorubicin 45 mg/m2 days 2,3,4 for induction. Consolidation consisted of one cycle of the same chemotherapy followed by two additional cycles of mHIDAC alone, unless the pt went on to autologous or allogeneic HPCT. We report a single institution experience with 59 consecutive pts ≥ 60 y/o (including 20 pts ≥ 70 y/o), and compare outcomes with 139 similarly treated pts < 60 y/o. Excluded were pts with antecedent MDS or chemotherapy-related AML, APL, and pts with major organ dysfunction. Results and Discussion: The CR rate for pts age ≥ 60 was 66% vs 81% for those < 60 (p=0.02). The distribution of pts into cytogenetic risk categories was similar, except for an under-representation of good risk cytogenetics among older pts (3% vs 14%, p=0.025). Overall survival for older pts was worse than that for younger individuals primarily due to an excess of early deaths, however, disease free survival among complete responders was similar for the 2 age groups (see below). There were 11 (16%) early deaths within 60 days among older pts, 4 with residual leukemia and 7 during aplasia. Early death occurred in 7 (5%) of the younger pts, 2 with residual leukemia and 5 during aplasia. There were 4 deaths (3 infectious and 1 stroke) during consolidation, 3 in the older and 1 in the younger group. There were also 2 late deaths in remission (both older pts) which were unrelated to AML or therapy. Clinically significant cerebellar toxicity was observed in 4 (6.8%) of the older pts and 3 (2%) of the younger pts, for a total of 7 episodes associated with 535 courses of Ara-C delivered (1.3%). 60% of older pts were able to complete 2 or 3 courses of consolidation therapy. Our data confirm the challenges of treating older pts with AML, but suggest that a significant subgroup can tolerate and benefit from aggressive therapy which includes dose intensification of Ara-C. This mHIDAC regimen is effective and well tolerated, and repeated administration to older pts is feasible. ![Figure][1] Overall Survival ![Figure][1] Relapse-Free Survival [1]: pending:yes
Minimizing E-factor in the continuous-flow synthesis of diazepam and atropine

Minimizing the waste stream associated with the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and commodity chemicals is of high interest within the chemical industry from an economic and environmental perspective. In exploring solutions to this area, we herein report a highly optimized and environmentally conscious continuous-flow synthesis of two APIs identified as essential medicines by the World Health Organization, namely diazepam and atropine. Notably, these approaches significantly reduced the E-factor of previously published routes through the combination of continuous-flow chemistry techniques, computational calculations and solvent minimization. The E-factor associated with the synthesis of atropine was reduced by 94-fold (about two orders of magnitude), from 2245 to 24, while the E-factor for the synthesis of diazepam was reduced by 4-fold, from 36 to 9.
Summaries of Presentations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided three presentations addressing Corps’ wave activities and wave data needs. These presentations are briefly summarized below.
Numerical simulations of the hard X‐ray pulse intensity distribution at the Linac Coherent Light Source

Numerical simulations of the current and future pulse intensity distributions at selected locations along the Far Experimental Hall, the hard X-ray section of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), are provided. Estimates are given for the pulse fluence, energy and size in and out of focus, taking into account effects due to the experimentally measured divergence of the X-ray beam, and measured figure errors of all X-ray optics in the beam path. Out-of-focus results are validated by comparison with experimental data. Previous work is expanded on, providing quantitatively correct predictions of the pulse intensity distribution. Numerical estimates in focus are particularly important given that the latter cannot be measured with direct imaging techniques due to detector damage. Finally, novel numerical estimates of improvements to the pulse intensity distribution expected as part of the on-going upgrade of the LCLS X-ray transport system are provided. We suggest how the new generation of X-ray optics to be installed would outperform the old one, satisfying the tight requirements imposed by X-ray free-electron laser facilities.
Optimization and comparison of a 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm tip on an active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform.

Purpose To assess the effect of varying levels of torsional power on phacoemulsification efficiency using an active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform with a 0.7 mm Sonata tip. Setting John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods A 0.7 mm tip was used to emulsify 2.0 mm porcine lenses that had been hardened in formalin. The torsional power was varied from 10% to 100% at intervals of 10%, and efficiency and chatter were recorded. A comparison of the 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm Balanced tip was also performed. Using a torsional power setting of 90% and 100%, the 0.7 mm tip and the 0.9 mm tip efficiency times were recorded. Results The study showed an increase in efficiency as torsional power increased. The relationship was linear and more efficient up to 90% (R2 = .8025, P = .0005). Chatter was only observed at a torsional power setting of 60%. In addition, a head-to-head comparison of the 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm tip showed that both tips were statistically similar in efficiency times, despite the smaller diameter of the 0.7 mm tip. Conclusions The optimum torsional power setting with the Centurion platform in conjunction with the 0.7 mm tip was 90%. The efficiency of the 0.7 mm tip and the 0.9 mm tip was statistically similar.
On the Mechanism of Ammonia SCR over Cu- and Fe-Containing Zeolite Catalysts

New insights from recent reports are integrated to generate an improved depiction of the reaction mechanisms for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with ammonia over Cu-containing zeolites (mainly chabazite) and Fe-containing zeolite catalysts. The reaction network over Cu-containing zeolites is consistent with the mixed oxidation state of copper cations as determined by operando X-ray spectroscopy, with a “solvated state” form of Cu(II) and Cu(I) at low-temperature (<225°C) reaction conditions; oxidation of Cu-bounded nitrite into nitrate and the subsequent formation and decomposition of ammonium nitrate explains the formation of N2O as a by-product. A reaction network for NO reduction over Fe-containing zeolites is proposed based on a synthesis from various reported mechanisms. This proposed mechanism is consistent with operando EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopy and predicts a limited production of N2O as compared to Cu-containing zeolites.
ACADEMIC PROBATION, STUDENT PERFORMANCE, AND STRATEGIC COURSE-TAKING

We use a regression discontinuity design to study how academic probation affects outcomes and courseâtaking behaviors at a large public university in the United States. Consistent with past work, students placed on probation improve their grade point average (GPA) in the subsequent semester. We document that part of this GPA improvement is attributable to strategic courseâtaking, and there is significant heterogeneity in these behaviors across race. Nonâminority students placed on probation attempt fewer credits, easier courses, and are more likely to withdraw from courses in the following term. In contrast, underrepresented minorities exhibit few of these behaviors, consistent with past work that suggests black and Hispanic students are less likely to possess helpful institutional knowledge and use available support systems such as academic counseling. (JEL I20, I23)
Antigenic analysis of genetic variants of Canine distemper virus

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is an RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. CDV produces multi-systemic disease in dogs and other terrestrial carnivores. With the development of modified live vaccines in the 1950s and 1960s, the disease, with a few exceptions, has been successfully controlled. However, recently the cases of CDV in vaccinated dogs have been increasing throughout the world, including the United States. There are many reasons that can lead to vaccine failure, including antigenic differences between the vaccine strains and the currently circulating wild-type strains. Currently, there are at least three genetically different CDV lineages circulating in the US. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated various wild-type CDV and vaccine isolates to determine if the genetic differences observed among various strains result in significant antigenic differences based on changes to the neutralizing epitopes. The results of a cross-neutralization assay revealed that there are antigenic differences among the tested CDV wild-type isolates as well as between the tested isolates and the vaccine strains currently used in the US. Therefore, these results suggest the need to develop an updated CDV vaccine.
Relationship Between the Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index and the Lower Limit of Cerebral Autoregulation During Cardiac Surgery.

Background Pulse pressure, the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI), and the symmetric AASI are established predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, little is known about their relationship to cerebral autoregulation. This study evaluated whether these markers of vascular properties relate to the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation (LLA). Methods and Results The LLA was determined during cardiac surgery with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in 181 patients. All other variables were calculated from continuous intraoperative readings obtained before cardiopulmonary bypass. The LLA varied directly with the AASI (β=3.12 per 0.1 change in AASI, P P ≤0.022), while peripheral pulse pressure was not significantly related (β=0.0, P >0.99). Logistic regression revealed that the likelihood of LLA being >65 mm Hg increased by 50% (95% confidence interval, 11%–102%, P =0.008) for every 0.1 increase in the AASI. The AASI was able to predict a LLA above certain thresholds (area under the curve receiver operating characteristic for AASI predicting an LLA >65 mm Hg: 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.51%–0.68%, P =0.043). Incorporating additional variables improved the model9s predictive ability (area under the curve for AASI predicting a LLA >65 mm Hg: 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.82, P =0.036). Conclusions These data indicate that the LLA is related to the mechanical properties of the vasculature as represented by the AASI. The AASI can be used to predict LLA threshold levels during cardiac surgery. It is now possible to link elevations in the LLA with an increased AASI as determined from readily accessible intraoperative variables.
ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS | Pathways of Drug Diffusion into the Epileptic Brain

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain from harmful substances present in the blood stream, while supplying the brain with the nutrients required for proper functioning. The BBB strictly regulates the penetration of drugs into the brain. Failure of such barrier is often associated with CNS pathologies, including epilepsy. Due to the presence of such complex, yet delicate mechanisms of protection, pharmacological targeting of CNS pathologies is challenging. Introduction of pharmaceutical agents for such ends requires new approaches to drug delivery to outwit vascular barriers. Even though numerous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are now available, there have been no major improvements in the reduction of the total number of drug-resistant patients. This lack of progress underscores the nonspecificity of the refractory process itself, suggesting that rather general mechanisms may affect the efficacy of all available AEDs.
Introduction: Greening in the Red Zone

‘Greening in the red zone’ refers to post-catastrophe, community-based stewardship of nature, and how these often spontaneous, local stewardship actions serve as a source of social-ecological resilience in the face of severe hardship. In this introductory chapter, we provide the reader with the fundamentals needed to understand our argument for why and how greening in the red zone occurs and to what end. We begin with a brief introduction to the terms ‘greening’, ‘red zone’, and ‘resilience’. We then briefly introduce the two types of evidence presented in this book. First are explanations from a large body of research on the impacts of both passive contact with, and active stewardship of, nature, and from a growing network of social and ecological resilience scholars who subscribe to the notion that change is to be expected and planned for, and that identifying sources of resilience in the face of change—including the ability to adapt and to transform—is crucial to the long-term well-being of humans, their communities, and the environment. The second source of evidence are the long and short descriptions of greening in red zones from post-disaster and post-conflict settings around the world, ranging from highly visible and symbolic initiatives like the greening of the Berlin Wall, to smaller-scale efforts such as planting a community garden in a war zone. We summarize the research-based explanations and long and short case descriptions of greening in the red zone in three tables at the end of this chapter.
Lyubeznik numbers of projective schemes

Let X be a projective scheme over a field k and let A be the local ring at the vertex of the affine cone ofX under some embedding X ,! P n . We prove that, when char(k) > 0, the Lyubeznik numbersi,j(A) are intrinsic numerical invariants of X, i.e., �i,j(A) depend only on X, but not on the embedding.
A High-Speed Dual-Stage Ultrasonic Guided Wave System for Localization and Characterization of Defects

This paper presents a joint approach to the detection, localization and characterization of structural defects. Our technique, termed Dual-Stage Structural Health Monitoring (DSSHM), combines an online, embedded ultrasonic structural health monitoring system with acoustic wavenumber spectroscopy data gathered from a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer. The combined system provides non-disruptive monitoring and high measurement fidelity necessary to drive critical decisions. Stage 1 is performed in situ (while the structure is in operation): an array of embedded ultrasonic transducers is used to excite and measure ultrasonic wave pulses in order to detect and locate irregularities within the test structure. In Stage 2, a subset of the same transducer array produces a steady-state ultrasonic response in the immediate vicinity of each structural irregularity. A laser Doppler vibrometer is then introduced to measure the full field response around that particular location in order to verify the presence of damage and provide high fidelity localization and characterization of the affected area. This document explores both the application of ultrasonic guided wave physics and the integration of sensing hardware and signal processing algorithms in implementing DSSHM.
Silicon Resonant Cavity Enhanced MoTe2 Schottky Photodetector at 1.55 m

Here we demonstrate a TMD-based photodetector heterogeneously integrated into a silicon photonics platform. The photodetector shows high photoresponsivity (~0.1A/W) as compared to straight waveguide at 1550 nm.
Chapter 7 – Data Manipulation

Publisher Summary Data manipulation can be divided into qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis is performed to determine the nature of the analytes in the sample. Quantitative analysis is performed to determine the amount of each analyte in the sample. The sample passes through the instrument and generates a signal that is recorded by the data station or strip-chart recorder. The signal must then be converted into qualitative or quantitative information. Data manipulation is the final step of the analysis. There are a variety of techniques available to aid in the identification of sample components: matching retention times, standard addition, internal standard, isotopic labeling, enzyme peak shift, and ultraviolet (UV) and mass spectral libraries. After integration, the analytical response is converted into an analyte concentration with the aid of a calibration curve. There are four principal techniques for determining relative composition information about a sample: normalization, internal standard, external standard, and standard addition.
Personality segmentation of users through mining their mobile usage patterns

Abstract Users’ interactions with their mobile devices leave behind unique digital footprints that can reveal important information about their characteristics, including their personality. By deploying a wide range of machine learning algorithms and by analyzing patterns of mobile usage data from more than 400 users, this study examines the personality determinants of various mobile usage attributes. Considering the Big-Five personality traits (agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness), correlations between mobile usage attributes and personality traits are presented and discussed. Moreover, the study examines the possibility of predicting users’ personality segments from their mobile usage attributes. Using the K-means clustering algorithm, three distinct personality segments are detected. Subsequently, different machine learning classification models are trained to predict the personality segments of users based on their mobile usage attributes. The results suggest that users’ personality segments can be correctly predicted, with an overall accuracy of 76.17%. The number of contacts on the device is found to be the most significant predictor followed by the frequency and duration of outgoing calls, and then the average time spent on social media applications. Additionally, the study discusses the practical implications of the findings from the perspectives of users, service providers and mobile application providers.
Morphology dictates learnability in neural controllers

Catastrophic forgetting continues to severely restrict the learnability of controllers suitable for multiple task environments. Efforts to combat catastrophic forgetting reported in the literature to date have focused on how control systems can be updated more rapidly, hastening their adjustment from good initial settings to new environments, or more circumspectly, suppressing their ability to overfit to any one environment. When using robots, the environment includes the robot's own body, its shape and material properties, and how its actuators and sensors are distributed along its mechanical structure. Here we demonstrate for the first time how one such design decision (sensor placement) can alter the landscape of the loss function itself, either expanding or shrinking the weight manifolds containing suitable controllers for each individual task, thus increasing or decreasing their probability of overlap across tasks, and thus reducing or inducing the potential for catastrophic forgetting.
Maintenance therapies in acute myeloid leukemia: the renaissance of an old therapeutic concept.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Disease relapse remains the major cause of death in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is driven by the persistence of leukemic cells following induction chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT). Maintenance therapies to extend the duration of remission and to improve survival have been proposed for several years with mixed results but have experienced a renaissance recently. RECENT FINDINGS The oral hypomethylating agent CC-486 has been the first agent to show an overall survival (OS) benefit compared with observation in AML patients in remission following intensive chemotherapy who are not proceeding to allo-HCT. In the realm of maintenance therapy following allo-HCT, the FLT3 inhibitor sorafenib has yielded superior results in terms of OS and relapse-free survival in randomized trials compared with observation. Several open questions remain regarding patient selection, timing, duration and safety of maintenance therapies. Various targeted agents are currently tested in clinical trials and could potentially enable an even more individualized therapeutic approach. SUMMARY Maintenance therapies following intensive chemotherapy or allo-HCT offer a new therapeutic paradigm for an increasing number of AML patients and have been shown to result in an OS benefit in selected patients.
CloudID: Trustworthy cloud-based and cross-enterprise biometric identification

In biometric identification systems, the biometric database is typically stored in a trusted server, which is also responsible for performing the identification process. However, a standalone server may not be able to provide enough storage and processing power for large databases. Nowadays, cloud computing and storage solutions have provided users and enterprises with various capabilities to store and process their data in third-party data centers. However, maintenance of the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data requires trustworthy solutions for storage and processing of data with proven zero information leakage. In this paper, we present CloudID, a privacy-preserving cloud-based and cross-enterprise biometric identification solution. It links the confidential information of the users to their biometrics and stores it in an encrypted fashion. Making use of a searchable encryption technique, biometric identification is performed in encrypted domain to make sure that the cloud provider or potential attackers do not gain access to any sensitive data or even the contents of the individual queries. In order to create encrypted search queries, we propose a k-d tree structure in the core of the searchable encryption. This helps not only in handling the biometrics variations in encrypted domain, but also in improving the overall performance of the system. Our proposed approach is the first cloud-based biometric identification system with a proven zero data disclosure possibility. It allows different enterprises to perform biometric identification on a single database without revealing any sensitive information. Our experimental results show that CloudID performs the identification of clients with high accuracy and minimal overhead and proven zero data disclosure.
Authoring Edutainment Stories for Online Players (AESOP): Introducing Gameplay into Interactive Dramas

The video gaming industry has experienced extraordinary technological growth in the recent past, causing a boom in both the quality and revenue of these games. Educational games, on the other hand, have lagged behind this trend, as their creation presents major creative and pedagogical challenges in addition to technological ones. By providing the technological advances of the entertainment genres in a coherent, accessible format to teams of educators, and developing an interactive drama generator, we believe that the full potential of educational games can be realized. Section 1 postulates three goals for reaching that objective: a toolset for interactive drama authoring, ways to insulate authors from game engines, and reusable digital casts to facilitate composability. Sections 2 and 3 present progress on simple versions of those tools and a case study that made use of the resulting toolset to create an interactive drama.
Reason in a Changing World

A rational agent (artificial or otherwise) residing in a complex changing environment must gather information perceptually, update that information as the world changes, and combine that information with causal information to reason about the changing world. Using the system of defeasible reasoning that is incorporated into the OSCAR architecture for rational agents (Pollock 1995 and 1995a), a set of reason-schemas will be proposed for enabling an agent to perform some of the requisite reasoning. Along the way, solutions will be proposed for the Frame Problem and the Yale Shooting Problem. The principles and reasoning described below have all been implemented in OSCAR.
A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs by David Lehman

While well written and entertaining, A Fine Romance loses momentum for an academic audience based on whether it is a fictional account mixed with personal memoir, or a clever method book that makes...
Freedom and Empowerment: An Essay on the Next Step for Education and Technology

Despite the relative stasis that we are currently experiencing in the development of online education (Sodders 2004; Zemsky and Massey 2004, 31-32), I am convinced that dramatic changes will occur, sooner rather than later. Online instruction has grown about as much as it possibly can within current educational structures. We are at the point where something has to give: Either schools will stay the same and leave online efforts at a standstill, or our concept of school will change and allow online instruction to grow.
LOWER INCIDENCE OF SEX CHROMATIN IN NEWBORN FEMALES DELIVERED BY CESAREAN SECTION.

The previously reported low incidence of sex chromatin in buccal cells of newborn females has been confirmed in babies born by cesarean section. However, there was no comparable change in sex chromatin percentage for their mothers as had been reported for vaginally delivered women. Further studies on vaginally delivered mothers raised some doubt as to the validity of the previous maternal results.
Magnetic Field Variations at Micropulsation Frequencies

The nature and role of waves at micropulsation frequencies in the magnetosphere are discussed here qualitatively. In particular, generation of such disturbances by extracting energy from the particle distribution is examined.
Infrared signature of micro-hydration in the organophosphate Sarin: an ab initio study

The infrared (IR) spectra of micro-hydrated Sarin•(H2O)n clusters containing between one and four explicit waters have been studied using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) methods. The phosphate group P=O bond vibration region (∼1270 to 1290 cm(-1)) revealed the largest frequency variation with hydration, with a frequency red shift reflecting the direct hydrogen bond formation between the P=O of Sarin and water. Small variations to the P-F stretch (∼810 to 815 cm(-1)) and the C-O-P vibrational modes (∼995 to 1004 cm(-1)) showed that the water interactions with these functional groups were minor, and that the structures of Sarin were not extensively perturbed in the hydrated complexes. Increasing the number of explicit hydration waters produced only small vibrational changes in the lowest free energy complexes. These minor changes were consistent with a single water-phosphate hydrogen bond being the dominant structure, though a second water-phosphate hydrogen bond was observed in some complexes and was identified by an additional red shift of the P=O bond vibration. The H2O•H2O vibrational modes (∼3450 to 3660 cm(-1)) increased in complexity with higher hydration levels and reflect the extended hydrogen bonding networks formed between the explicit waters in the hydrated Sarin clusters. Graphical Abstract Ab initio studies of the infrared signature for micro-hydrated Sarin.
An international study of research misconduct policies.

Research misconduct is an international concern. Misconduct policies can play a crucial role in preventing and policing research misconduct, and many institutions have developed their own policies. While institutional policies play a key role in preventing and policing misconduct, national policies are also important to ensure consistent promulgation and enforcement of ethical standards. The purpose of this study was to obtain more information about research misconduct policies across the globe. We found that twenty-two of the top forty research and development funding countries (55%) had a national misconduct policy. Four countries (18.2%) are in the process of developing a policy, and four (18.2%) have a national research ethics code but no misconduct policy. All twenty-two countries (100%) with national policies included fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism in the definition of misconduct, but beyond that there was considerable diversity. Unethical authorship was mentioned in 54.6% of the miscond...
Binding of homogeneous cytochrome b5 to rat liver microsomes effect on N-demethylation reactions

Abstract Incubation of rat homogeneous detergent-solubilized cytochrome b5 with rat liver microsomes resulted in specific binding of the hemoprotein which was rapidly reduced by NADH. The NADH cytochrome c reductase activity in these preparations increased in proportion to the amount of cytochrome bound. However, the extra-bound detergent-solubilized cytochrome b5 did inhibit NADPH-dependent N-demethylations, the NADH synergism and NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase activity. Manganese protoporphyrin-apocytochrome complex when bound to microsomes in amounts equivalent to detergent-solubilised cytochrome b5 showed no effect on N-demethylation activity. Furthermore, the binding of cytochrome b5 preparations reconstituted from heme and apocytochrome b5 had no effect on either the NADPH-dependent N-demethylation of aminopyrene or ethylmorphine or the NADH synergism observed with rat liver microsomes. In addition, homogeneous cytochrome b5 eluted from three additional Sephadex G-100 columns showed no inhibitory effects when bound to liver microsomes. Spectral analyses of the acid-acetone extract of the hemoprotein showed an absorption peak at 278 nm suggesting that the homogeneous b5 contains contaminating amounts of tightly bound detergent which is responsibe for the observed inhibition of mixed function oxidase activity and which is removed during extraction of the heme from the apocytochrome and during further gel filtration applications.
Criterion for establishing deviations from the local thermodynamic equilibrium in atmospheric pressure plasma jets

In this paper a dimensionless parameter is defined which allows the prediction of the thermodynamic state in the field-free plasma jet of D. C. operated plasma torches of various designs. This dimensionless parameterP is derived from the conservation equations applied to a two-step temperature and velocity model and contains only quantities which can be experimentally determined without using sophisticated equipment. Critical values ofP based on a critical electron density of 1016 cm−3 have been calculated for argon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and helium and corresponding values of Pcrit have been determined experimentally for two different D. C. operated argon plasma torches using various diagnostic techniques. The experimental values corroborate the assumptions made for the calculation of Pcrit. ForP < Pcrit, substantial deviations from the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) may occur.
Applying I-FGM to image retrieval and an I-FGM system performance analyses

Intelligent Foraging, Gathering and Matching (I-FGM) combines a unique multi-agent architecture with a novel partial processing paradigm to provide a solution for real-time information retrieval in large and dynamic databases. I-FGM provides a unified framework for combining the results from various heterogeneous databases and seeks to provide easily verifiable performance guarantees. In our previous work, I-FGM had been implemented and validated with experiments on dynamic text data. However, the heterogeneity of search spaces requires our system having the ability to effectively handle various types of data. Besides texts, images are the most significant and fundamental data for information retrieval. In this paper, we extend the I-FGM system to incorporate images in its search spaces using a region-based Wavelet Image Retrieval algorithm called WALRUS. Similar to what we did for text retrieval, we modified the WALRUS algorithm to partially and incrementally extract the regions from an image and measure the similarity value of this image. Based on the obtained partial results, we refine our computational resources by updating the priority values of image documents. Experiments have been conducted on I-FGM system with image retrieval. The results show that I-FGM outperforms its control systems. Also, in this paper we present theoretical analysis of the systems with a focus on performance. Based on probability theory, we provide models and predictions of the average performance of the I-FGM system and its two control systems, as well as the systems without partial processing.
Early post-natal administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine destroys 5-HT neurons but does not affect spatial memory

The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) may play an important role in learning and memory. It has also been suggested that 5-HT abnormalities may mediate some aspects of the cognitive disorders associated with Korsakoff syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. The effect of intracisternally applied 5-HT neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) on learning and memory in rodents was evaluated. Three-day-old rat pups were treated with pargyline (40 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by 5,7-DHT (50 μg/pup) and returned to the dam for a month. At 75 days of age, rats were tested on a learning set problem in the Morris water maze for 5 days followed by 30 days of testing in a 12-arm radial maze with 8 of the 12 arms baited. In the Morris water maze, the latency to locate the hidden platform did not differ significantly for 5,7-DHT treated and control rats (F < 1.0). Similarly, 5,7-DHT treated rats performed comparably to controls on the 12-arm radial maze (F < 1.0). At 106 days of age the assay of tryptophan hydroxylase activity in the dorsal raphe nuclei and hippocampus showed marked reduction (86%, 78%, respectively) in 5,7-DHT treated animals compared to vehicle injected controls. Immunocytochemical analysis was consistent with the biochemical results. In 5,7-DHT treated animals there was severe loss of neurons that bind 5-HT antibody in the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei. These results suggest that early neonatal treatment with 5,7-DHT causes a severe, permanent reduction of 5-HT, yet the depletion of 5-HT during juvenile stages does not effect the processing of spatial information in the adult rat.
The formation of the sex glands and germ cells of mammals. II. The history of the male germ cells in the albino rat

The testis is differentiated from the indifferent gonad in embryos of fourteen days. The indifferent gonad and the sex cords contain large and small cells, both of which are derived from the coelomic epithelium. The large cells have generally been called primordial germ cells, they increase by mitosis and reach their maximum in embryos of seventeen days. But all the large cells degenerate and have completely disappeared by nine days after birth. The large cells, therefore, do not contribute to the formation of cells in the tubules of the adult testis. After the disappearance of the large cells, the solid seminiferous tubules are composed of indifferent epithelial cells of a uniform type, which are descendants of the small cells of the genital ridge, and which later form both the germ cells and the Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules of the adult testis. Definitive spermatogonia begin to form fifteen days after birth, when the solid cords are becoming hollow tubules; spermatocytes occur at twenty-three days, when the testes are entering the inguinal canals; spermatids are first observed about thirty-three days, when the testes enter the scrotum, and perfect spermatozoa at forty-eight days. Sertoli cells cannot be clearly distinguished until almost puberty; these cells may be only indifferent epithelial cells. During the development of the seminiferous tubules, a good many cells of all stages of spermatogenesis degenerate.
Oxidant and Redox Signaling in Vascular Oxygen Sensing: Implications for Systemic and Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract It has been well known for >100 years that systemic blood vessels dilate in response to decreases in oxygen tension (hypoxia; low Po2), and this response appears to be critical to supply blood to the stressed organ. Conversely, pulmonary vessels constrict to a decrease in alveolar Po2 to maintain a balance in the ventilation-to-perfusion ratio. Currently, although little question exists that the Po2 affects vascular reactivity and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) act as oxygen sensors, the molecular mechanisms involved in modulating the vascular reactivity are still not clearly understood. Many laboratories, including ours, have suggested that the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]i), which regulates vasomotor function, is controlled by free radicals and redox signaling, including NAD(P)H and glutathione (GSH) redox. In this review article, therefore, we discuss the implications of redox and oxidant alterations seen in pulmonary and systemic hypertension, and how key targets that co...
The transformation of business knowledge into intangible assets

Purpose – Proposes that one should take a few steps back to engineer and understand one's knowledge blueprint, so that one can understand better and have more certainty in one's outcome of knowledge valuation.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses knowledge valuation.Findings – Businesses are chasing “knowledge” and implementing “knowledge” solutions, with not a clue as to whether the knowledge they are chasing or using to solve business problems is achieving the outcome towards which they are driving. In other words, there is no clear starting‐point (baseline measures) that can be monitored and tracked over time to ensure that the goal is being achieved, to encourage abandonment if the results are not favorable, or to revise the goal if the outcome is favorable. Notwithstanding, there are success stories in leveraging knowledge, but have businesses in the knowledge era truly institutionalized the identification, capture and leveraging of knowledge to adequately manage and control the intangib...
Reducing idling at red lights based on probabilistic prediction of traffic signal timings

A predictive optimal velocity planning algorithm is proposed in this paper that uses traffic Signal Phase And Timing (SPAT) information to increase a vehicle's energy efficiency. Encouraged by positive results based on full SPAT information in [1], [2], this current paper focuses on benefits attainable with partial probabilistic information. Availability of signal phase data is categorized into none, real-time only, and full-future knowledge. Dynamic Programming (DP) with full future knowledge of SPAT provides an energy efficiency maximum. The case with no knowledge of phase or timing represents an uninformed driver, and provides an energy efficiency minimum. In between, a signal phase prediction model which could use historically-averaged timing data and real-time phase data is evaluated, as it represents a technology which is available today. Results from a multi-signal simulation indicate that energy efficiency can be increased with probabilistic timing data and real-time phase data.
Cloning of a novel member of the reticulon gene family (RTN3): gene structure and chromosomal localization to 11q13.

A novel member of the neuron-specific protein (NSP) or newly named reticulon (RTN) gene family was isolated during a subtraction cloning between macula and peripheral retina. The mRNA for this NSP/RTN-like gene is approximately threefold more abundant in macula than in peripheral retina. The cDNA is 2527 bp long and contains an open reading frame of 236 amino acids. The deduced peptide shows a strong similarity to the NSP/RTN and tropomyosin-like gene families but it is clearly a novel member. The gene contains seven exons and spans more than 15 kb. The gene was localized to chromosome 11q13 between markers D11S4535 and D11S4627 using somatic cell hybrid panels. Southern blot analysis identified the presence of a pseudogene(s) that was subsequently localized to chromosome 4. Multitissue Northern blot analysis found this gene to be widely expressed in human tissues with the highest expression in the brain. We are calling this gene RTN3 to reflect the newly proposed nomenclature.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis risk for elephant handlers and veterinarians.

(2001). Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Risk for Elephant Handlers and Veterinarians. Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 350-353.
Dominance of the diurnal mode of horizontal drift velocities at F-region heights

Drift measurements perpendicular to the magnetic field are examined, taking into account also some nighttime measurements. Nighttime measurements of drift velocities are more difficult because densities are lower. However, the uncertainty in the drift velocities can be optimized by making use of an approach reported by Kirchhoff (1973). The approach involves a careful selection of the elevation angle of the radar antenna. Measured velocities are discussed along with the magnetospheric perturbation effect. The measurements are compared with conclusions of the dynamo theories.
Sustained liver-specific transgene expression from the albumin promoter in mice following hydrodynamic plasmid DNA delivery.

Background To properly study gene expression in vivo, often long-term expression is desired. Previous studies using plasmid DNA (pDNA) vectors have typically resulted in short-term expression. Here, we evaluated combinations of the albumin promoter with different enhancers and untranslated regions for liver-specific expression in mice. Methods A series of pDNA secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene expression vectors was constructed using the albumin promoter and various other expression cassette elements. Each was evaluated for level and duration of SEAP expression in mice following hydrodynamic tail vein delivery. Results Sustained liver expression was obtained from vectors combining the albumin promoter with an albumin 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). The level of expression was increased by inclusion of enhancers and a 5′ intron. The optimal expression vector consisted of the albumin promoter combined with an α-fetoprotein MERII enhancer, 5′ intron from the factor IX gene, and the 3′UTR from the albumin gene including intron 14. With this vector, SEAP reporter gene expression levels remained high for 1 year, at levels comparable to those obtained from the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter on day 1. Expression of human apolipoprotein E3 (hApoE) in ApoE knockout mice provided a dose-dependent correction of their hypercholesterolemia. Conclusions Liver-specific sustained transgene expression can be obtained at very high levels from optimized pDNA vectors, without the use of integration systems. Such vectors will further facilitate biological studies of genes in vivo and may find application in gene therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group Work is NOT Busy Work: Maximizing Success of Group Work in the L2 Classroom

ABSTRACT Pair and group activities have become a staple in the L2 classroom, but in many cases instructors do not use the techniques appropriately or to maximum effectiveness. This proposal for training pre- and insewice teachers in the use of group work is based on the principles of action research: first it outlines some issues in the design and implementation of these activities and then includes suggestions for the postobsewation remodeling of activities within a task- and content-based framework for language instruction.
Self-consciousness, evaluation of physical characteristics, and physical attractiveness

Abstract Results from an investigation of the relationship between habitual awareness of oneself as a social object (Public self-consciousness) and speed of processing information about the overt self are reported. Since high public self-consciousness subjects report themselves to be concerned about their physical appearance, they were expected to have more readily retrievable evaluative judgments concerning their physical characteristics. Consistent with this prediction, high compared to low public consciousness subjects required significantly less time to report their evaluations of eleven of their physical features. In a second study, high public self-consciousness was shown to be positively related to judged physical attractiveness in two geographically diverse samples. The quicker evaluations of the high public self-consciousness group were discussed in terms of information processing model recently described by Markus (1977) .
Exaggeration in memory: systematic distortion of self-evaluative information under reduced accessibility

The tendency to exaggerate specific information about oneself can stem from reconstructive memory processes that are distinct from motivated self-enhancement or self-presentation. While exaggerations sometimes reflect these motives, they also result from attempts to reconstruct one’s past. Three studies examined test scores as they became less accessible in memory. Study 1 provided a real-world illustration, demonstrating reduced accessibility and increased exaggeration of SAT scores over time. Two experiments utilized test scores randomly assigned in a controlled laboratory setting. Increased exaggeration was observed following distraction (Study 2), and after a one-week delay (Study 3). Distortions in scores reported were consistent with beliefs about the self, rather than uniformly self-serving. Under reduced accessibility, exaggeration was predicted by beliefs about achievement (Study 1) and subjective perceptions of test performance (Study 2). Study 3 manipulated perceived performance. Positive performance feedback caused greater exaggeration under reduced accessibility, whereas negative feedback reduced the tendency to exaggerate.
Event-related brain potential markers of high-language proficiency in adults.

Abstract The central issue addressed is whether there are electrophysiological markers for high-language proficiency in adults. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded in 19 young adults who demonstrated either “normal” or “high” language proficiency. ERPs were obtained during a sentence-processing task and analyzed for specific response components elicited by different word types. The ERPs in the normal and high-language proficiency groups were similar for early sensory related processing but differed in the later components thought to be more closely related to lexical access and post-lexical processing. The findings for the ERP waveforms suggest that adults with high-language proficiency show slightly faster lexical access over left anterior brain regions for closed class items, and a reduced reliance on contextual information contained in sentences.